AWEA Offshore WT Industry Guidelines

AWEA OCRP 2012 September 16, 2012
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AWEA Large Turbine Compliance Guidelines:

AWEA Offshore Compliance Recommended Practices (2012)

Recommended Practices for Design, Deployment, and
Operation of Offshore Wind Turbines in the United States

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Acknowledgments

Walt Musial, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, AWEA OCRP 2012 Subcommittee Chair
Paul Veers, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, AWEA Large Turbine Compliance Committee
Chair
Suzanne Meeker, GE Energy, AWEA Standards Development Board Chair
John Dunlop, American Wind Energy Association, Senior Technical Programs Manager
Chris Long, American Wind Energy Association, Manager Offshore Wind and Siting Policy
Michele Mihelic, American Wind Energy Association, Manager, Labor, Health and Safety
Policy
James Manwell, University of Massachusetts, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
61400-3 Committee Liaison

AWEA OCRP 2012- Subcommittee Leaders
Subcommittee ChairWalt Musial, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Subcommittee SecretaryLars Samuelsson, American Bureau of Shipping

AWEA OCRP 2012Group 1Structural Reliability
Group 1 LeaderDan Dolan, MMI Engineering
Tim Camp, Garrard Hassan
John Cushing, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Sid Falk, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Robert Grimley, General Electric
Rudy Hall, Keystone Engineering
Ron Heffron, Moffatt and Nichol
Gerard Houlahan, Moffatt and Nichol
Jason Jonkman, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Lance Manuel, University of Texas Austin
Lori Medley, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Rachel Pachter, Cape Wind
Matthew Palmer, Energy Management Inc.
Brian Petersen, Applied Physical Sciences Corp.
Martin Pollack, Applied Physical Sciences Corp.
Frank Puskar, Energo Engineering
Mehedi Rashid, Moffat and Nichol
Mehrdad Saidi, J P Kenny
Shashikant Sarada, Det Norske Veritas
Arvind Shah, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Morten Sgaard Andersen, Det Norske Veritas
Ron Young, Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Qing Yu, American Bureau of Shipping

AWEA OCRP 2012Group 2Manufacturing, Installation, Construction, and Qualification
Testing
Group 2 LeaderBrian Naughton, U.S. Department of Energy/New West Technologies
Chris Bintcliffe, BPP Tech
Lori Medley, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Ben Foley, Keystone Engineering
Rudy Hall, Keystone Engineering
Bob Holloway, J P Kenny
Scott Kaminky, Black & Veatch
Kevin Lindquist, RES-Americas, Offshore
Alex Mitzlaff, IMS
Doug Pfeister, Offshore Wind Development Coalition
Doug Price, Garrad Hassan
Hugh Rynn, Keppel AmFELS
Malcolm Sharples, Offshore Risk and Technology Consulting, Inc.
Jim Tolan, Sgurr Energy, Inc.

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AWEA OCRP 2012Group 3 Safety of Equipment, Operation/Inspection, and Decommissioning
Group 3 LeaderRobert Sheppard, Energo Engineering
John Cushing, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Sid Falk, U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Michele Mihelic, American Wind Energy Association
Ken Richardson, American Bureau of Shipping
Malcolm Sharples, Offshore Risk and Technology Consulting, Inc.

AWEA OCRP 2012Contributing Members
Matthias Bauer, Management Consulting
Chris Baxter, University of Rhode Island
Sandy Butterfield, Boulder Wind Power (IECTC-88 Chairman)
Zachary Clement, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Jeremy Firestone, University of Delaware
Gary Norton, U.S. Department of Energy/Sentech
Adi Rabadi, CSA
Gareth Roberts, Global Marine Energy
Tony Rogers, Det Norske Veritas (DNV)/KEMA
Ralph Shaw, Keystone Engineering
Senu Sirnivas, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Daron Threet, Holland and Knight
Bryan Uhlmansiek, Black and Veatch
Joel Whitman, Global Marine Energy
Pat Weis-Taylor, PWT Communications, LLC (Technical Editor)
Mike Woebbeking, Germanischer Lloyd
Arielle Wolfe, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Administrative Coordinator)
Ron Young, Stress Engineering Services, Inc.

AWEA and the OCRP 2012 Subcommittee would like to thank the U.S. Department of Energy for their
support in developing this document.

2012 by American Wind Energy Association. All rights reserved. You may download,
reproduce and print this Recommended Practices document (the Document) for non-
commercial or personal use only, and, by downloading or accessing the Document, you agree:
(i) that you shall not sell or otherwise engage in commercial distribution of this Document; (ii)
that you shall not make any alterations, modifications, deletions or other changes to this
Document without the express written consent of American Wind Energy Association
(AWEA); and (iii) to indemnify and hold AWEA harmless for any loss or damage, including
reasonable attorney's fees, that the AWEA may incur, directly or indirectly, as a result of your
use of this Document. Furthermore, in the event that you reproduce, use or distribute this
Document, you shall include the following notice on all reprints or reproductions of this
Document, whether print or electronic: 2012 by American Wind Energy Association.
Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
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Contents

1 Scope .......................................................................................................... 11
2 Normat|ve keferences ................................................................................. 12
3 1erms and Def|n|t|ons .................................................................................. 14
4 Symbo|s and Abbrev|ated 1erms ................................................................... 19
4.1 Symbo|s and Un|ts ......................................................................................... 19
4.2 Abbrev|at|ons and Acronyms .......................................................................... 19
S Structura| ke||ab|||ty .................................................................................... 21
S.1 Genera| ......................................................................................................... 21
S.2 n|erarchy ...................................................................................................... 21
S.3 Des|gn Iormat ............................................................................................... 21
S.4 Standards for Component Des|gn .................................................................... 22
S.S Lxposure Categor|es ...................................................................................... 22
S.6 W|nd 1urb|ne C|asses ..................................................................................... 22
S.7 Ana|ys|s Methods .......................................................................................... 22
S.8 So|| Var|at|on ................................................................................................ 22
S.9 1rop|ca| Cyc|ones ........................................................................................... 23
S.10 8reak|ng Waves ............................................................................................. 23
S.11 Sea Ice Load|ng .............................................................................................. 23
S.12 Monop||es, Non-Iacket, and M|n|ma| Support Structures ................................. 23
S.13 Deck C|earance .............................................................................................. 24
S.14 Grouted Connect|ons ..................................................................................... 24
6 Manufactur|ng and Iabr|cat|on .................................................................... 2S
6.1 ua||ty Management Systems ........................................................................ 2S
6.2 W|nd 1urb|nes for Cffshore App||cat|ons ......................................................... 2S
6.3 L|ectr|ca| System ........................................................................................... 2S
6.3.1 LlecLrlc Servlce laLform LlecLrlcal SysLem ManufacLurlng 8equlremenLs ......... 23
6.3.2 Submarlne Cable (Array and LxporL) ManufacLurlng 8equlremenLs ................... 23
6.3.3 Cable Accessorles ............................................................................................ 26
6.4 Sub-structure and Ioundat|on and L|ectr|c Serv|ce |atform Structura| Iabr|cat|on
26
6.4.1 Weldlng ........................................................................................................... 26
6.4.2 Corroslon roLecLlon ....................................................................................... 26
6.4.3 urawlngs and SpeclflcaLlons ............................................................................. 26
6.4.4 MaLerlals ......................................................................................................... 26
6.4.3 labrlcaLlon ...................................................................................................... 27
6.S 1ransportat|on of Iabr|cated Components to Stag|ng Area ............................... 27
6.6 Storage at ort .............................................................................................. 27
7 Insta||at|on .................................................................................................. 28
7.1 Genera| ......................................................................................................... 28
7.1.1 lannlng and uocumenLaLlon ........................................................................... 28
7.1.2 8raclng, 8lgglng and lnsLallaLlon lorces, and Allowable SLresses ...................... 29
7.1.3 SlLe Access ...................................................................................................... 29
7.1.4 LnvlronmenLal CondlLlons ................................................................................ 29
7.2 Sea 1ransport ................................................................................................ 29
7.2.1 LoadouL ........................................................................................................... 29

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7.2.2 Sea lasLenlng .................................................................................................. 30
7.2.3 vessels and LqulpmenL .................................................................................... 30
7.3 Insta||at|on and Assemb|y .............................................................................. 30
7.3.1 lnsLallaLlon lorces ........................................................................................... 30
7.3.2 Cffshore Wlnd 1urblne loundaLlon and SupporL SLrucLure lnsLallaLlon ............. 30
7.3.3 Wlnd 1urblne lnsLallaLlon ................................................................................ 31
7.3.4 Submarlne Cable lnsLallaLlon ........................................................................... 31
7.3.4.1 Cvervlew ............................................................................................................ 31
7.3.4.2 Cable 8ouLe re-Lnglneerlng / Survey ................................................................. 31
7.3.4.3 Cable lnsLallaLlon vessel 8equlremenLs ............................................................... 32
7.3.4.4 Cable Load ......................................................................................................... 32
7.3.4.3 8ouLe Clearance / re-Lay Crapnel 8un ............................................................... 33
7.3.4.6 Cable lnsLallaLlon ............................................................................................... 33
7.3.4.6.1 !-1ube Cable ull-ln ....................................................................................... 34
7.3.4.6.2 Cable / lpellne Crosslngs .............................................................................. 34
7.3.4.6.3 Cable roLecLlon ............................................................................................ 34
7.3.4.7 ulver lnLervenLlon .............................................................................................. 33
7.3.3 LlecLrlc Servlce laLform lnsLallaLlon ................................................................ 33
7.3.6 Scour roLecLlon .............................................................................................. 33
8 ua||f|cat|on 1est|ng .................................................................................... 36
8.1 Inspect|on ..................................................................................................... 36
8.1.1 Ceneral ........................................................................................................... 36
8.1.2 Scope .............................................................................................................. 36
8.1.3 lnspecLlon ersonnel ....................................................................................... 36
8.1.4 labrlcaLlon lnspecLlon ..................................................................................... 36
8.1.3 LoadouL, SeafasLenlng, and 1ransporLaLlon lnspecLlon ..................................... 36
8.1.6 lnsLallaLlon lnspecLlon ..................................................................................... 36
8.1.7 lnspecLlon uocumenLaLlon ............................................................................... 37
8.1.8 LlecLrlcal SysLem lnspecLlon ............................................................................. 37
8.2 Comm|ss|on|ng .............................................................................................. 37
9 Safety Management System, Safety Lqu|pment, and Nav|gat|ona| A|ds ........... 38
9.1 U.S. kegu|at|ons ............................................................................................ 38
9.2 Worker nea|th and Safety Gu|dance ................................................................ 39
9.3 Nav|gat|ona| Warn|ng Dev|ces and Mark|ng Informat|on .................................. 39
10 Cperat|ons and In-Serv|ce Inspect|ons .......................................................... 40
10.1 U.S. kegu|at|ons ............................................................................................ 40
10.2 Cperat|ons .................................................................................................... 41
10.2.1 MalnLenance Manual ................................................................................... 41
10.2.2 CondlLlon MonlLorlng ................................................................................... 41
10.3 In-Serv|ce Inspect|ons .................................................................................... 41
10.3.1 Ceneral ....................................................................................................... 41
10.3.2 lrequency of lnspecLlons ............................................................................. 42
10.3.3 CuallflcaLlons of lnspecLlon ersonnel ......................................................... 42
10.3.4 Subsea SupporL SLrucLure lnspecLlons .......................................................... 42
10.3.3 Subsea LqulpmenL lnspecLlons ..................................................................... 43
10.3.6 Above-WaLer SupporL SLrucLure and Access SysLems .................................... 43
10.3.7 8lades ......................................................................................................... 43
10.3.8 8lade speclflc guldance can be found ln 1A&8 630 referenced above. ........... 44
10.3.9 lnspecLlon Scope Lxpanslon ......................................................................... 44
10.3.10 osL-LvenL lnspecLlons ................................................................................. 44
10.3.11 lnspecLlon 8evlew ........................................................................................ 44

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10.3.12 uaLa 8eLenLlon ............................................................................................ 43
10.4 ke-use of Iac|||t|es ......................................................................................... 4S
11 Decomm|ss|on|ng ........................................................................................ 47
11.1 U.S. kegu|at|ons ............................................................................................ 47
11.2 Decomm|ss|on|ng |an ................................................................................... 47
12 L|m|tat|ons and Address|ng Gaps .................................................................. 48
13 Comp|ete keferences ................................................................................... S0
13.1 keference Documents .................................................................................... S0
13.2 Code of Iedera| kegu|at|ons ........................................................................... S1
13.2.1 1lLle 29: Labor ............................................................................................. 31
13.2.2 1lLle 30: Mlneral 8esources .......................................................................... 31
13.2.3 1lLle 33: navlgaLlon and navlgable WaLers ................................................... 31
13.2.4 1lLle 46: Shlpplng ......................................................................................... 31
13.3 Standards and Gu|de||nes ............................................................................... S2
Annex A (informative) Additional Information and Guidance .................... SS
A.1 Scope ............................................................................................................ SS
A.2 Normat|ve keferences .................................................................................... SS
A.3 1erms and Def|n|t|ons .................................................................................... S6
A.4 Symbo|s and Abbrev|ated 1erms ..................................................................... S6
A.S Structura| ke||ab|||ty ...................................................................................... S6
A.3.1 Ceneral ....................................................................................................... 36
A.3.2 Plerarchy ..................................................................................................... 37
A.3.3 ueslgn lormaL ............................................................................................. 37
A.3.4 SLandards for ComponenL ueslgn ................................................................. 37
A.3.3 Lxposure CaLegorles .................................................................................... 37
A.3.6 Wlnd 1urblne Classes ................................................................................... 37
A.3.7 ueslgn MeLhods ........................................................................................... 37
A.3.8 Soll varlaLlon ............................................................................................... 37
A.3.9 1roplcal Cyclones ......................................................................................... 38
A.3.10 LxLreme Wave PelghL .................................................................................. 38
A.3.11 Monoplles, non-!ackeL and Mlnlmal SupporL SLrucLures ............................... 38
A.3.12 ueck Clearance ............................................................................................ 38
A.3.13 CrouLed ConnecLlons ................................................................................... 39
A.6 Manufactur|ng and Iabr|cat|on ....................................................................... S9
A.6.3 Cffshore 1ransmlsslon Crld or 8ackbone ...................................................... 39
A.7 Insta||at|on .................................................................................................... S9
A.7.1 Ceneral ....................................................................................................... 39
A.7.2 Sea 1ransporL .............................................................................................. 39
A.7.2.1 LoadouL ............................................................................................................. 39
A.7.2.1.1 Submarlne Cable lnsLallaLlon ......................................................................... 39
A.7.2.1.2 Cable roLecLlon ........................................................................................... 60
A.7.2.1.3 Cable 8urlal ................................................................................................... 61
A.8 ua||f|cat|on 1est|ng ...................................................................................... 62
A.9 Safety Management System, Safety Lqu|pment, and Nav|gat|ona| A|ds ............. 62
A.9.1 u.S. 8egulaLlons ........................................................................................... 62
A.9.2 SafeLy ManagemenL SysLem ......................................................................... 62
A.9.3 SafeLy LqulpmenL ........................................................................................ 62
A.9.4 Access SafeLy ............................................................................................... 62
A.9.4.1 vessel Access SafeLy ........................................................................................... 62
A.9.4.2 PellcopLer Access SafeLy ..................................................................................... 62

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A.9.4.3 1ower Access SafeLy ........................................................................................... 62
A.9.3 navlgaLlonal Warnlng uevlces and Marklng lnformaLlon ............................... 62
A.10 Cperat|ons and In-Serv|ce Inspect|ons ............................................................ 62
A.10.1 u.S. 8egulaLlons ........................................................................................... 62
A.10.2 CperaLlons .................................................................................................. 63
A.10.3 ln-Servlce lnspecLlons .................................................................................. 63
A.10.3.1 Ceneral .............................................................................................................. 63
A.10.3.2 lrequency of lnspecLlons .................................................................................... 63
A.10.3.3 CuallflcaLlons of lnspecLlon ersonnel ................................................................ 63
A.10.3.4 Subsea SupporL SLrucLure lnspecLlons ................................................................. 63
A.10.3.3 Subsea LqulpmenL lnspecLlons ............................................................................ 63
A.10.3.6 Above-WaLer SupporL SLrucLure and Access SysLems ........................................... 63
A.10.3.7 8lades ................................................................................................................ 63
A.10.3.8 lnspecLlon Scope Lxpanslon ................................................................................ 63
A.11 Decomm|ss|on|ng ........................................................................................... 63
A.11.1 u.S. 8egulaLlons ........................................................................................... 63

Figures

I|gure 1: Cffshore w|nd pro[ect deve|opment stages ............................................ 10
I|gure 2: arts of an offshore w|nd turb|ne (Source: Adapted from ILC 61400-3) .... 1S

Tables

1ab|e 1: Cab|e protect|on equ|pment character|st|cs ............................................ 61


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Ioreword

In October 2009, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), in collaboration with the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), began the process to develop a
recommended practice document based on consensus among offshore wind energy and
offshore industry experts that provides advice and guidance on the best practices for design,
deployment, and operation of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in the United States. This effort
was motivated by industry and regulatory concerns that no single set of guidelines and
standards could be identified that addressed the complete design, deployment, and operation
of offshore wind turbines, and moreover, by the fact that unique conditions exist in the United
States that cannot be directly compared to conditions at European offshore wind facilities.
This AWEA effort, originally known as the Large Turbine Compliance Guidelines Initiative, has
enlisted over 50 experts in the offshore wind community to develop this consensus document,
now known as AWEA Offshore Compliance Recommended Practices 2012 (OCRP 2012). The
intent was to create a recommended practices document which refers to current best
practices in the use of existing standards for planning, designing, constructing, and operating
offshore wind facilities in U.S. waters. In general this effort was not intended to write original
new best practices related to the committee members experiences.
Three groups of experts were formed to write the main body of this document. The three
groups identified and recommended published standards and practices that provide
methodologies for sound design of OWTs in the United States. They established the following
hierarchy from the existing body of standards. First they used international standards (e.g.,
IEC); then national standards (e.g., American Petroleum Institute [API]); then classification
society standards (e.g., Germanischer Lloyd [GL], Det Norske Veritas [DNV], The American
Bureau of Shipping [ABS]); and, finally, commercial standards and guidelines. The three
groups are described below.
Group 1, Structural Reliability and Design: For the design of OWTs, this group identified the
appropriate interfaces between existing type certification to IEC wind turbine design classes
(e.g., IEC 61400-1) and other standards governing the structural reliability of the integrated
wind turbine rotor-nacelle assembly and support structure for offshore applications.
Group 2, Manufacturing and Fabrication , Construction, Installation, and Qualification Testing:
For the safe and orderly deployment of OWTs, this group identified applicable standards from
other industries and adapted them to cover manufacturing; construction; creation of adequate
installation infrastructure (e.g., vessels); and application of qualification testing during all
phases of deployment.
Group 3, Safety, Operation, Inspection, and Decommissioning: For supervision by regulators
of safe operation and decommissioning of OWTs, this group identified applicable standards or
practices for maintenance and inspections of wind turbine rotor-nacelle assemblies, support
structures, and supporting electric infrastructure, as well as the removal of wind turbines and
components at the end of their design life.
The work of these three groups has been combined into the AWEA OCRP 2012 document,
Recommended Practices for Design, Deployment and Operation of Offshore Wind Turbines in
the United States.
In the United States, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
1
oversees the project
application and approval process for offshore wind development on the Outer Continental

1
BOEM and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) officially replaced the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) on October 1, 2011. References to BOEMRE, or
its Mineral Management Service predecessor, appearing in documents referenced by this recommended
practice should be considered as referring to the applicable present bureau.

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Shelf where most offshore wind development is expected.
2
Figure 1 shows the different
stages of the development of an offshore wind facility and the scope for each of the three
groups. The three groups of this committee covered the range of development activities from
assessment of the site conditions to develop the design basis through decommissioning.
However, the scope of this committee did not cover activities related to early site development
up to and including the necessary steps to obtain a permit or site license.

Figure 1: Offshore wind project development stages
The document is organized into 13 sections with corresponding annexes. The 13 sections in
the main body of the document often point to further information contained in the annexes,
which are numbered to correspond to the appropriate main body section but are considered
supplemental to the information provided in the main body.
The reader should note that AWEA OCRP 2012 points to key standards and their subsections
and relevant clauses throughout. As such, specific editions or versions are explicitly called
out. As the industry evolves, the committee expects that new editions of normative documents
will be published that will supersede older versions. This will require periodic updates of this
document. For example, IEC 61400-3 is currently in its first edition; therefore all references in
this document point to the first edition. The second edition is currently being developed and
when it is published, AWEA OCRP 2012 will require updating. AWEA will plan to maintain this
document to keep it current, but the schedule for such updates is not known at this time.
The format of this document follows the format used in most IEC standards and technical
specifications under IECTC-88.
The process used to develop this document followed the AWEA Standards Development
Procedures which were adopted by AWEA in 2007. AWEA is the Accredited Standards
Developer under the authority of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for
consensus wind energy standards in the United States. As such the AWEA Standards
Development Procedures that were followed herein are intended to comply with ANSI
Essential Requirements: Due Process Requirements for American National Standards.
Finally, compliance with this recommended practice does not relieve any person, organization,
or corporation from the responsibility of observing other applicable state and federal
regulations and related requirements or conducting the necessary engineering due diligence
to comply with industry best practices.

2
Note that under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, ACOE regulates structures and/or work in,
over, or under navigable waters of the U.S. or affecting the course, location, or condition of navigable waters of
the U.S. The line of jurisdiction in tidal waters extends from the Mean High Water Mark along the shoreline to 3
nautical miles (n.m.) offshore. Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, with ACOE Section 10 authority is
extended to the Outer Continental Shelf, from 3 n.m. to the seaward limit of the OCS (approx. 200 n.m.).ACOE
has jurisdiction over the following: artificial islands, installations, and other devices located on the seabed of
the OCS. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Corps regulates the discharge of dredged or fill
material into waters of the United States. The ACOE line of jurisdiction in tidal waters extends from the High
Tide Line along the shoreline to 3 n.m. offshore. This authority does not extend to the OCS.

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1 Scope
This document applies to offshore wind facilities with bottom-fixed support structures installed
either on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in federal waters, or in near-shore locations such
as in state waters. It is not sufficient to address the structural integrity of floating offshore
wind turbines. The recommendations apply to both salt and fresh water conditions of any
water depth. They apply only to turbines with a swept area greater than 200 m
2
, including the
rotor-nacelle assembly tower, sub-structure, and foundation. The recommendations apply to
offshore wind facilities of any size, from single turbines to multiple turbine arrays. They
include the electrical infrastructure as well as the electric service platform and export cable to
shore. This document is not intended to address land-based wind turbines.
This consensus document points to local, national, and international standards and guidelines
that are applicable for use in the United States. It addresses many unique U.S. issues
including hurricanes, safety regulations, and supply chain constraints but may not provide
comprehensive treatment in all areas. In areas where existing standards do not provide
adequate guidance, or require adjustment or modifications, the document attempts to provide
clarifications or deviations to fill specific gaps. Chapter 12 describes some of these critical
gaps and the effort necessary to fill the gaps.
These recommended practices address three major areas relevant to the approval process: 1)
structural reliability; 2) manufacturing, qualification testing, installation, and construction; and
3) safety of equipment, operation and inspection, and decommissioning. Note that the scope
of area 3 was limited to equipment safety only. Human safety is not covered herein.
Finally, the initial planning activities for offshore wind facilities, which include site
development, ecological issues, socio-economic issues, and other leasing and permitting
issues, are not covered by this document (see Figure 1 Offshore wind project development
stagesObtain Lease).


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2 Normative References
The following documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
3

ACI357R, Guide for the design and construction of fixed offshore concrete structures
AISC 335-89, Specification for structural steel buildingsAllowable stress design and
plastic design
ANSI/ICEA S-93-639/NEMA WC 74, 546 kV shielded power cable for use in the
transmission and distribution of electric energy
ANSI/ICEA S-94-649, Standard for concentric neutral cables rated 546 kV
ANSI/ICEA S-97-682, Standard for utility shielded power cables rated 546 kV
API RP 2A-WSD, 22nd Edition, Recommended practice for planning, designing and
constructing fixed offshore steel platformsWorking stress design
4

API RP 2D, Recommended practice for operation and maintenance of offshore cranes
API RP 2EQ, Seismic design procedures and criteria for offshore structures
API RP 2GEO, Geotechnical and foundation design considerations
API RP 2L, Recommended practice for planning, designing, and constructing heliports for
fixed offshore platforms
API RP 2MET, Derivation of metocean design and operating conditions
API RP 2SIM, Structural integrity management of fixed offshore structures
ASCE/AWEARP2011, Recommended practice for compliance of large land-based wind
turbine support structures
AWEA Standards Development Procedures, American Wind Energy Association, July 31,
2007.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)AC70/7460-1K, Obstruction marking and lighting
FAA AC150/5390-2C, Heliport design
IEC 61400-1, Wind turbinesPart 1: Design requirements
IEC 61400-3, Wind turbinesPart 3: Design requirements for offshore wind turbines
IEC 61400-22, Wind turbinesPart 22: Conformity testing and certification
ISO 19900, Petroleum and natural gas industriesGeneral requirements for offshore
structures
ISO 19902, Petroleum and natural gas industriesFixed steel offshore structures
ISO 19903, Petroleum and natural gas industriesFixed concrete offshore structures
USCGCOMDTINST M16672.2D, Navigation rules, international-inland
29 Code of Federal Regulations(CFR) Part 1910, Occupational safety and health
standards
30 CFR Part 585, Renewable energy alternate uses of existing facilities on the Outer
Continental Shelf
33 CFR Part 67, Aids to navigation on artificial islands and fixed structures
33 CFR Parts 140 to 147, Outer Continental Shelf activities

3
See Section 4.2: Abbreviations and Acronyms for the acronyms used in this Normative References list.
4
The 22nd edition of API RP 2A WSD has been reorganized from previous editions. The API RP 2A WSD section
numbers referenced herein are not applicable to the previous editions.

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33 CFR Part 322, Permits for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the
United States
See Annex A, Section A.2, of this document for a discussion concerning the referenced
documents as well as additional documents that may provide information useful in satisfying
the provisions of this document.

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3 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. For
convenience, some selected definitions have been taken from IEC 61400-1 and IEC 61400-3.
3.1
accreditation
procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a body is impartial and
technically competent to carry out specific tasks such as certification, tests, specific types of
tests, etc.
3.2
array cables
submarine cable conducting power generated by an offshore wind turbine (OWT) to an electric
service platform or substation
3.3
certification body
body that conducts certification of conformity
3.4
current
flow of water past a fixed location, usually described in terms of a current speed and direction
3.5
design wave
deterministic wave with a defined height, period, and direction used for the design of an
offshore structure; a design wave may be accompanied by a requirement for the use of a
particular periodic wave theory
3.6
designer
party or parties responsible for the design of an OWT or other components of an offshore wind
energy facility (e.g., electric service platforms, cables)
3.7
developer
party or parties responsible for the permitting, planning, construction, and commissioning of
offshore wind facilities
3.8
electric service platform
the offshore platform that collects the power generated by the individual OWTs and steps up
the voltage for transmission to the onshore grid
3.9
environmental conditions
characteristics of the physical environment (e.g., wind, waves, sea currents, water level, sea
ice, marine growth, scour, and overall seabed movement) that may affect offshore wind
turbine behavior
3.10
export cables
submarine cable(s) conducting power collected at an electric service platform to shore or to
an offshore transmission grid (see Annex A6.3)for distribution to the land-based electric grid
3.11
external conditions (wind turbines)
factors affecting the operation of an OWT, including environmental conditions, electrical
network conditions, and other climatic factors (e.g., temperature, snow, ice)

Page | 15

3.12
extreme wave height
expected value of the highest individual wave height (generally the zero up-crossing [see
footnote 6] wave height) with an annual probability of exceedence of 1/N (recurrence period:
N years)
3.13
foundation
part of an OWT support structure that transfers the loads acting on the sub-structure into the
seabed; different foundation concepts are shown in Figure 2 together with the other parts of
an OWT.

Figure 2: Parts of an offshore wind turbine (Source: Adapted from IEC 61400-3)

3.14
manufacturer
party or parties responsible for the manufacture and construction of an OWT or other
components of an offshore wind facility (e.g., electric service platforms, cables)
3.15
marine growth
surface coating on structural components caused by plants, animals, and bacteria
3.16
mean sea level
average level of the sea over a period of time long enough to remove variations due to waves,
tides, and storm surges

Page | 16

3.17
mean zero crossing period
The average time between the instances when the instantaneous water surface crosses the
mean still water surface, moving in a specific direction (normally the up-crossing period).
5

3.18
metocean
abbreviation of meteorological and oceanographic
3.19
monopile
structure type with foundation and sub-structure consisting of a single vertical pile (see
Figure 2
6
)
3.20
offshore wind turbine
wind turbine with a support structure that is subject to hydrodynamic loading
3.21
offshore wind turbine site
the location or intended location of an OWT either alone or within an offshore wind facility
3.22
pile penetration
distance from the sea floor to the bottom of the pile in installed position
3.23
project certification
procedure by which a certification body gives written assurance that one or more specific wind
turbines including support structure and possibly other installations are in conformity with
requirements for a specific site (see IEC 61400-22)
3.24
quay
a structure on the shore of a harbor where vessels dock to load and unload cargo
3.25
rotor-nacelle assembly
part of an OWT carried by the support structure (see Figure 2)
3.26
run-up
The rush of water up a structure resulting from incident waves defined by the maximum
vertical height of the wave crest above the still water level.
3.27
sea floor
interface between the sea and the seabed
3.28
sea state
condition of the sea in which its statistics remain stationary
3.29
seabed
materials below the sea floor in which a support structure is founded

5
This definition may differ from IEC 61400-3.
6
Monopiles are equivalent to the caisson structures referred to in some offshore structural standards.

Page | 17

3.30
seabed movement
movement of the seabed due to natural geological and hydrodynamic processes
3.31
scour
removal of seabed soils by currents and waves or caused by structural elements interrupting
the natural flow regime above the sea floor
3.32
significant wave height
statistical measure of the height of waves in a sea state, defined as 4 x !" where !" is the
standard deviation of the sea surface elevation. In sea states with only a narrow band of wave
frequencies, the significant wave height is approximately equal to the mean height of the
highest third of the zero up-crossing waves (see footnote 7)
3.33
splash zone
external region of support structure that is frequently wetted due to waves and tidal variations;
defined as the zone between:
the highest still water level with a recurrence period of 1 year increased by the crest
height of a wave with height equal to the significant wave height with a return period of 1
year, and
the lowest still water level with a recurrence period of 1 year reduced by the trough depth
of a wave with height equal to the significant wave height with a return period of 1 year
3.34
still water level
abstract water level calculated by including the effects of tides and storm surge but excluding
variations due to waves; still water level can be above, at, or below mean sea level
3.35
storm surge
irregular movement of the sea brought about by wind and atmospheric pressure variations
3.36
sub-structure
part of an OWT support structure that extends upward from the seabed and connects the
foundation to the tower (see Figure 2)
3.37
support structure
part of an OWT consisting of the tower, sub-structure, and foundation (see Figure 2)
3.38
tides
regular and predictable movements of the sea generated by astronomical forces
3.39
tower
part of an OWT support structure which connects the sub-structure to the rotor-nacelle
assembly (see Figure 2)
3.40
transition piece
part of a monopile OWT sub-structure that provides a level connection between the tower and
the pile (see Figure 2)

Page | 18

3.41
tropical cyclone
closed atmospheric or oceanic circulation around a zone of low pressure that originates over
the tropical oceans
7

3.42
type certification
procedure by which a certification body gives written assurance that a wind turbine type
conforms to specified requirements (see IEC 61400-22)
3.43
water depth
vertical distance between the sea floor and the still water level (see the definition for still
water level)
3.44
wave crest
the highest point on the water surface of an individual wave
3.45
wave direction
mean direction from which the wave is traveling
8

3.46
wave height
vertical distance between the highest and lowest points on the water surface of an individual
zero up-crossing wave (see footnote 7)
3.47
wave period
time interval between the two zero up-crossings that bound a zero up-crossing wave (see
footnote 6)
3.48
zero up-crossing wave
9

portion of a time history of wave elevation between zero up-crossings; a zero up-crossing
occurs when the sea surface rises (rather than falls) through the still water level

7
A tropical cyclone is classified as a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane based on wind speed (see
API RP 2MET for additional information).
8
Wind direction, although not defined here, is measured in accordance with IEC 61400-12: Power Performance
Measurements of Electricity Producing Wind Turbines, Section 6.2.
9
The definition for zero up-crossing was taken from IEC 61400-03. To remain consistent with this standard, this
definition has been retained. However, several reviewers have pointed out that the term zero up-crossing is
generally applied to wave period and not to wave height. This term may need to be re-evaluated by IEC.

Page | 19

4 Symbols and Abbreviated Terms
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviated terms apply in
addition to those stated in IEC 61400-1:
4.1 Symbols and Units
!
n
consequence of failure factor
kV kilovolt(s)
n.m. nautical miles
4.2 Abbreviations and Acronyms
ABS American Bureau of Shipping
AC alternating current
ACI American Concrete Institute
ACOE Army Corps of Engineers
ADCI Association of Diving Contractors International
AISC American Institute of Steel Construction
ANSI American National Standards Institute
API American Petroleum Institute
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
AWEA American Wind Energy Association
BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (see footnote 10)
BOEMRE Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (see
footnote 10)
BSEE Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
10

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIGRE International Council on Large Electric Systems
CMS condition monitoring system
COV coefficient of variation
CVA certified verification agent
DC direct current
DNV Det Norske Veritas
DP Dynamic Positioning
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
GL Germanischer Lloyd
HVAC high-voltage alternating current
HVDC high-voltage direct current
IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse
Authorities
ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association

10
BOEM and BSEE officially replaced the BOEMRE on October 1, 2011. References to BOEMRE, or its Minerals
Management Service predecessor, appearing in documents referenced by this standard should be considered
as referring to the applicable present bureau.

Page | 20

ICPC International Cable Protection Committee
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IMCA International Marine Contractors Association
ISIP in-service inspection plan
ISO International Organization for Standardization (also known as International
Standards Organization)
LRFD load and resistance factor design
NDE non-destructive examination
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
OCS Outer Continental Shelf
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OWT offshore wind turbine
ROV remotely operated underwater vehicle
RP Recommended Practice
SAP Site Assessment Plan
SIMOPS simultaneous operations
SMS safety management system
TA&R technology assessment & research
USCG United States Coast Guard
WSD working stress design

Page | 21

5 Structural Reliability
5.1 General
The structural design of OWT support structures for installation in U.S. OCS and U.S. State
waters shall satisfy the requirements of IEC 61400-3 as modified by this document.
The electric service platform and other offshore structures that are part of offshore wind
facilities in U.S. OCS and U.S. State waters and not supporting an OWT should satisfy the
requirements of a recognized offshore standard (e.g., API Recommended Practice
[RP] 2A-working stress design [WSD] or International Organization for Standardization [ISO]
19902) appropriate for the structure type, design format, and construction material.
5.2 Hierarchy
Neither this document nor IEC 61400-3 provides complete design guidance for OWTs; they
should be supplemented with other guidelines, recommended practices, and/or standards. IEC
61400-3 includes a series of Normative References including its parent document, IEC 61400-
1, and the ISO 19900 series of documents for offshore structures. Some of these documents
and other documents to which they refer have conflicting information. In many cases, these
conflicts occur because not all of the documents treat necessary design considerations in the
same way or with the same detail, and different publication dates result in the documents
incorporating differing bodies of knowledge. Designers of OWTs should endeavor to
determine and select, with a certified verification agent (CVA), certification body, and/or
regulatory authority approval, which of the conflicting provisions is the most appropriate and
consistent with the rest of the design. In cases where this determination is not possible, the
order of document priority should be as follows:
This document (AWEA OCRP 2012)
structures
ISO 19902, Petroleum and natural gas industriesFixed steel offshore structures
API RP 2A-WSD, Recommended practice for planning, designing and constructing fixed
offshore steel platformsWorking stress design
The order of document priority for electric service platform and other offshore structures,
except OWTs, shall be as follows:
This document (AWEA OCRP 2012)
API RP 2A-WSD, Recommended practice for planning, designing and constructing fixed
offshore steel platformsWorking stress design
ISO 19903, Petroleum and natural gas industries Fixed concrete offshore structures
The API modified versions of the ISO 19900 series of documents have higher priority than the
original ISO versions for all structure types.
5.3 Design Format
Offshore support structures have traditionally been designed using either WSD or load and
resistance factor design (LRFD) methods. IEC 61400-3 uses an LRFD format consistent with
ISO and provides load factors for the various wind and wave load conditions that are defined
for design. This document (AWEA OCRP 2012) makes specific use of API RP 2A for

Page | 22

requirements that are not currently addressed within the IEC or its supporting guidelines.
Given the hierarchy provided above, it is the intent of this RP that the design of wind turbine
support structures should be in full conformance with IEC 61400-3, based on the LRFD design
format and specific provisions of API RP 2A.
5.4 Standards for Component Design
IEC 61400-3 intends to provide a complete definition of the external conditions and load
combinations that are required for the design of an OWT support structure, but it does not
provide guidance for the definition of component or materials strength. As such, IEC 61400-3
makes several references to the use of ISO offshore structural design standards or other
recognized offshore standards specifically for the definition of component design
requirements and resistance factors.
11
API RP 2A-WSD is used frequently in the United
States for the design of offshore oil and gas platforms, and may be used directly for the
design of met tower support structures and electric service platforms that do not support wind
turbines.
5.5 Exposure Categories
A medium consequence of failure should be considered as the default exposure category for
an OWT support structure operating in an offshore wind facility as defined by API RP 2A-WSD
(e.g., L-2). If the loss of an OWT support structure is likely to cause cessation of a significant
portion of power production from the offshore wind facility, then a high consequence of failure
(e.g., L-1) for that OWT support structure design may be justified.
Electric service platform structures should be designed under criteria for high consequence of
failure (e.g., L-1). Other structures in an offshore wind facility (e.g., meteorological towers)
may be considered as low consequence of failure (e.g., L-3) if the loss of the structure would
not disrupt power production from the project. For cases in which the loss of the met tower
structure would disrupt wind plant power production, the met tower structure should be
considered as either medium or high consequence of failure, depending on the degree of
potential power disruption. See Annex A, Section A.5.5, of this document for additional
information.
5.6 Wind Turbine Classes
Wind turbine Class S, as defined in IEC 61400-1, should be used for all offshore wind projects
in U.S. OCS and U.S. State waters that are subject to severe tropical cyclones that may
potentially exceed the extreme conditions defined by IEC 61400-1 Class IA.
5.7 Analysis Methods
The response of the components of an OWT system is highly coupled and interdependent.
The rotor-nacelle assembly and the support structure may have natural vibration
characteristics with frequencies that coalesce with critical operating modes. This creates a
potential for resonant behavior and substantial amplification of the dynamic response of all
components. The requirements defined in IEC 61400-3 regarding the coupled analysis of the
rotor-nacelle assembly and support structure shall be followed.
5.8 Soil Variation
In wind turbine design, differences between the actual soil stiffness and the soil stiffness
assumed in design may result in underestimation of the dynamic response generated from the
relationships between operating and structural mode frequencies. IEC 61400-3, Section 5.2
requires taking account of potential long-term time variation of dynamic soil properties due to
seabed movement and scour. In addition to the IEC 61400-3 requirements, this accounting

11
The ISO 19900 series of standards use the LRFD format. API RP 2A is available in both WSD and LRFD
formats; however, the LRFD version is out of date and excludes significant and relevant updates that are
available in the current WSD version.

Page | 23

should also consider variations in soil properties resulting from soil sampling, testing, and
analysis methods, as well as the soil variability in the vicinity of the site. In order to facilitate
the accounting, the assessment of soil conditions required by IEC 61400-3, Section 12.15,
should also include estimates of possible variation in reported soil properties.
The designer should address the potential variation of soil properties parametrically within the
analysis to ensure that dynamic response quantities are not underestimated. See Annex A,
Section A.5.8, of this document for additional information.
5.9 Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclone conditions may have a dominant influence over the design of wind rotor-
nacelle assemblies and wind turbine support structures located in areas such as the eastern
coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and Hawaii that are subject to tropical
cyclones. Tropical cyclones are not specifically addressed in IEC 61400-3. Tropical cyclones
generate winds and waves that are characteristically different from those assumed by the IEC
61400-3 definition, including the relationship between design wind and wave conditions.
These issues shall be addressed in the assessment of external conditions required by IEC
61400-3, Section 12.
In addition to the extreme conditions defined by IEC 61400-3, rotor-nacelle assemblies and
wind turbine support structures subject to tropical cyclones shall be designed for those
tropical cyclone conditions. The total applied environmental loading resulting from the
combination of maximum wind speed and associated wave, tide, and current shall be
considered. The metocean conditions associated with tropical storms typically exhibit greater
variability (a larger coefficient of variation [COV]) than those associated with extra-tropical
storms. In these cases, higher load factors should be used to achieve a level of overall
structural reliability. The designer should address the larger wind and wave COV as part of
the metocean data studies and should adjust the load factors contained herein as needed.
See Annex A, Section A.5.9, of this document for additional information.
Note that the area of OWT design for tropical cyclones is currently undergoing revision within
an IECTC-88 61400-3 maintenance team. The reader is advised to seek further guidance to
assure that the latest information is being assimilated.
5.10 Breaking Waves
In many open ocean sites along the East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, the extreme wave
height will be defined by the breaking wave condition for sites where water depths and
extreme wave heights support their occurrence. The IEC 61400-3 requires that the calculation
of wave loading include a consideration of the range in water level as this impacts both the
wave crest height and water particle velocities. The designer should also consider both
minimum and maximum still water elevations when evaluating breaking wave conditions to
ensure that the wave slam forces used for the design of the support structure are
conservative.
5.11 Sea Ice Loading
The issue of sea ice loading is not fully considered in the existing standards. The methods
given in IEC 61400-3 may not be applicable in all conditions. Latest knowledge in this area is
included in ISO 19906 Petroleum and natural gas industriesArctic offshore structures.
Special consideration to dynamic ice loading (locking) on the support structure and its
combination with wind load should be given. Guidance for dynamic ice loading is given in ISO
19906.
5.12 Monopiles, Non-Jacket, and Minimal Support Structures
Offshore wind facilities typically include support structure types (e.g., monopiles) with the
attributes listed in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 4.6.1.4. Additional measures are required to
compensate for the lower reserve strength or lack of redundancy of these structures
compared to conventional jacket structures. Sub-structures and foundations designed using
the WSD method should satisfy the recommendations of API RP 2A-WSD, Section 19.

Page | 24

Measures equivalent to those in API RP 2A-WSD should be taken when these support
structures are designed using a non-WSD method if the design standard does not address
minimum [support] structures.
These provisions apply only to structural components that contribute to the reserve strength
or redundancy of the support structure. The provisions relate only to the ability of the support
structure to maintain its configuration without collapsing while subjected to loading, and not to
the consequences of the failure of the support structure to do so. Provisions elsewhere in this
document (see Section 5.5 of this document) and in the referenced offshore standards
address the life-safety, environmental, and economic consequences of a collapse. See Annex
A, Section A.5.11, of this document for additional information.
5.13 Deck Clearance
All support structures subject to guidance by this document should satisfy the deck clearance
provisions of API RP 2A-WSD (22nd edition) even if they are designed to other standards.
These Gulf of Mexico deck clearance requirements are recommended for all other U.S.
waters. See Annex A, Section A.5.12, for additional information.
5.14 Grouted Connections
The design of grouted connections between OWT transition pieces and monopiles should
satisfy the requirements of a recognized standard that addresses recent field failures. The
design of other (more traditional oil and gas) grouted connections, such as between piles and
pile sleeves, should satisfy the requirements of API RP 2A-WSD used to design the other
components of the support structure. See Annex A, Section A.5.13, of this document for
additional information.

Page | 25

6 Manufacturing and Fabrication
6.1 Quality Management Systems
The manufacturing of components for offshore wind facilities should be performed by
contractors with demonstrated manufacturing experience that employ a Quality Management
System that is compliant with ISO 9001, Quality management standard.
6.2 Wind Turbines for Offshore Applications
The manufacturing of OWTs should be in accordance with manufacturing requirements as
defined by the type certification body and in the manufacturing standard ISO 9001 referenced
by the design standard IEC 61400-1. Any requirements in these standards pertaining to
support structures subject to fatigue or an offshore environment should apply. Additional
guidance is located in American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE)/AWEARP2011, Section 9.
6.3 Electrical System
In an offshore wind facility, there are typically two categories of submarine cables: array
cables and export cables. Array cables are characteristically medium-voltage cables, typically
34.5 kV, that link several turbines together and conduct the power generated at each wind
turbine to an electric service platform. At the electric service platform, the voltage level is
stepped up into the high-voltage range (typically 138, 230 or 345 kV). The total power from
the facility is conducted from the electric service platform via export cables that can be routed
directly to an onshore grid or to an offshore high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission
grid (see description of Offshore Transmission Grid in Annex A6.3). Additionally, there are
electrical cable accessories including hang-off clamps, terminations, splices, J-tubes, and
cable protection systems.
6.3.1 Electric Service Platform Electrical System Manufacturing Requirements
International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) Study Committee B3 covers design,
construction maintenance, and ongoing management of high-voltage substations and
electrical installations in power stations, excluding generators. Guidance is given in the
following document:
Guidelines for the design and construction of AC offshore substations for wind power
plants (working group B3.26), Guideline 483, December 2011.
6.3.2 Submarine Cable (Array and Export) Manufacturing Requirements
No standards currently exist for either the submarine medium-voltage array cables or the
submarine high-voltage export cables. Recommended practices for various types of highly
engineered products and systems used in the power distribution and transmission field are
issued by CIGRE.
The typical components within the cable are three medium-voltage power cores and a 24-fiber
optical cable used to supply telemetry back to a system control and data acquisition system.
For the three medium-voltage power cores, there are very detailed specifications. In North
America and some Latin American countries, the Insulated Cable Engineers Association
(ICEA) writes the standards used. These standards cover shielded power cables rated 5
46 kV. The specific standards used are as follows:
ANSI/ICEA S-93-639/National Electrical Manufacturers Association(NEMA) WC 74, 546
kV shielded power cable for use in the transmission and distribution of electric energy
In Europe and all other parts of the world, these cables are covered by standards written by
the IEC. The specific IEC specifications are as follows:

Page | 26

IEC 60502 (Parts 1 and 2), Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories
for rated voltages from 1 kV up to 30 kV
- Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV (U
m
= 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (U
m
= 3,6 kV)
- Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV (U
m
= 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV)
For tests on submarine cables that cannot be applied as above, guidance is given in the
following CIGRE publications:
CIGRE, 1997: Recommendations for mechanical tests on submarine cables. Electra, Vol.
171,No. 3.
CIGRE, 2000: Recommendations for testing of long submarine cables with extruded
insulation for system voltage 30 (36) to 150 (170) kV. Electra, Vol. 189, No. 1.
CIGRE, 2000: Recommendations for testing of long AC submarine cables with extruded
insulation for system voltage 30 to 170kV. Electra, Vol. 189, No. 2.
The following recommendations of the CIGRE in its current version can be used for plastic-
insulated direct current (DC) power cables:
CIGRE, 2003: Testing DC extruded cable systems for power transmission up to 250 kV.
Electra, Vol. 206, No. 4.
The following CIGRE recommendation can be used for DC cables with mass-impregnated
paper insulation:
CIGRE, 2005: Recommendations for tests of power transmission DC cables for a rated
voltage up to 800 kV. Electra, Vol. 218, No. 3.
6.3.3 Cable Accessories
Typical accessories to the electrical system include cable hang-off and termination systems,
joints, splices, J-tubes, cable crossings, and cable protection systems near foundation entry
points. These items should be designed and manufactured in accordance with the cable
manufacturers specifications.
6.4 Sub-structure and Foundation and Electric Service Platform Structural Fabrication
6.4.1 Welding
Requirements for weldingincluding weld procedures, welding details, records, and
documentationand qualification of weld procedures, welders, and weld operators are given
in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 13.
6.4.2 Corrosion Protection
Fabrication, application, installation, and testing of corrosion protection measures for the
atmospheric, splash, and submerged zones of the sub-structure should be performed in
accordance with the provisions of API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.2. Equipment installed in the
tower or rotor-nacelle assembly should adhere to guidance given in IEC 61400-3, Annex H.
6.4.3 Drawings and Specifications
The drawings and specifications for use in connection with fixed OWT support structures and
foundations, electric service platforms, and related facilities are defined in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 12.
6.4.4 Materials
Requirements for the selection, supply, and fabrication of structural steel used for fixed OWT
support structures and foundations and for electric service platforms are provided in API
RP 2A-WSD, Sections 11.1 through 11.3.
Requirements for the selection, supply, and use of cement grout and concrete for fixed OWT
support structures and foundations and for electric service platforms are provided in API

Page | 27

RP 2A-WSD, Section 11.4. Guidance on the selection, supply, and use of cement grout used
for connections between OWT transition pieces and monopiles should follow recognized
standards that address recent field failures with monopile sub-structures.
Additional requirements and information concerning structural materials supply are provided in
API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.3.
Requirements for the compilation and maintenance of records and documentation concerning
materials are given in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.5.
6.4.5 Fabrication
Fabrication, other than welding, should be in accordance with American Institute of Steel
Construction(AISC) 335-89, unless otherwise specified herein.
Additional requirements for the splicing of steel pipe, beams, and joint cans are provided in
API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.1.2.
Additional requirements for the fabrication of welded tubular connections, including fabrication
sequence, joint details, weld profile control, and slotted members, are provided in API
RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.1.3.
Additional requirements for the fabrication of plate girders are provided in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 14.1.4.
Each member of the support structure should be located accurately to the final fabrication
tolerances given in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.1.5. Other tolerances not stated herein
should be in accordance with the AISC 335-89.
Provisions for the fabrication of grouted pile-to-sleeve connections are given in API
RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.1.6. Provisions for fabrication of the grouted connections between
OWT transition pieces and monopiles should follow recognized standards that address recent
field failures with monopile sub-structures.
Any temporary attachments to the support structure, such as scaffolding, fabrication, and
erection aids should be limited as much as practicable. When these attachments are
necessary, the requirements of API RP 2A-WSD, Section 14.1.7 should be met.
6.5 Transportation of Fabricated Components to Staging Area
The transport of OWT rotor-nacelle assembly, support structure, foundation, and electric
service platform components to and from a fabrication yard and to an offshore staging area
presents a complex task that requires detailed planning. Basic considerations vary with
reference to the type of component foundation or platform to be transported. Items that should
be considered can be found in API RP 2A-WSD, Sections 15.2.2.1 through 15.2.2.3.
6.6 Storage at Port
The fabrication contractor should be responsible for storage of materials, components, OWT
support structures and foundations, and electric service platform components at the
fabrication site during the onshore construction phase. It is essential that adequate space is
provided that considers the overall logistics of both the onshore fabrication cycle and the
offshore installation schedule. The fabrication contractor should have adequate space to store
surplus completed units to address faster installation times in favorable weather conditions.
Additional reserve storage at the port should be available to accommodate unplanned delays
at the offshore site in order to not disrupt the onshore fabrication cycle.

Page | 28

7 Installation
7.1 General
The installation of OWTs should be performed in accordance with IEC 61400-3, Section 13,
and the manufacturers specifications.
Installation of electric service platforms and other structures not addressed by IEC 61400-3
should be performed in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD. See Annex A, Section A.7.1, of this
document for additional information.
General guidance on marine transport and installation can be found in ISO 19901-6:2009,
Petroleum and natural gas industriesSpecific requirements for offshore structuresPart 6:
Marine operations.
All operations at sea should comply with U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations.
7.1.1 Planning and Documentation
Adequate planning, risk assessment, and documentation should exist to fully detail the safe
offshore installation of offshore wind facilities and associated components. Component
installers need to be engaged at the earliest opportunity in the offshore wind facility planning
process in order to mitigate risk.
Project documentation should at a minimum follow the requirements of 30 CFR 585 for
projects in federal waters. Additional documentation may differ on a project-by-project basis;
however, it is recommended that project documentation include, but not be limited to, the
following documents:
Master document register
Project administration manual
Health, safety, and environmental manual
Quality manual
Engineering manual
Construction manual
Risk assessments, including hazard and operability and hazard identification procedures, are
an essential part of the installation planning process. Risk matrixes should be completed for
each step of the installation procedure as part of the risk assessment planning/mitigation
process.
Guidance for assessing risks during marine operations can be found in the following
documents:
ISO 19901-6, Petroleum and natural gas industriesSpecific requirements for offshore
structuresPart 6: Marine operations
Section 5.4, The International Marine Contractors Association(IMCA)SEL 018, Threat risk
assessment procedure
During the planning stage, a full engineering analysis of the installation platform, the
installation deployment system, and installation methodology should be completed.
Considerations for developing the installation plan for OWTs can be found in IEC 61400-3,
Section 13.2. Considerations for developing the installation plan for electric service platforms
and other structures not addressed by IEC 61400-3 can be found in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 15.1.1.
Documentation responsibilities for the load out, transportation, and installation of the sub-
structure and foundations and the electric service platform components are described in API
RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.1.2.

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7.1.2 Bracing, Rigging and Installation Forces, and Allowable Stresses
For the sub-structure, the forces and allowable stresses applicable to each phase of the
installation should be determined in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Sections 15.1.3 and
15.1.4.
7.1.3 Site Access
Exclusion zones shall be established in coordination with the United States Coast
Guard(USCG) Captain of the Port or District Commander for areas surrounding an installation.
Third-party vessels shall be excluded from these zones during the construction period.
During construction operations, proper day signals or navigation lights for installation vessels
shall be visible during appropriate times of day. The day signals and navigation lights shall
comply with USCGCOMDTINST M16672.2D requirements governing color, placement, range
of visibility, and use of lights and shapes on vessels.
Prior to commencement of installation, the USCG shall be notified so that information
pertinent to construction operations can be posted as a Notice to Mariners.
Additional requirements for site access are provided in IEC 61400-3, Section 13.4.
7.1.4 Environmental Conditions
Favorable weather and sea-state conditions are essential in order to carry out activities in a
safe manner. The use of an independent weather buoy to monitor the prevailing onsite wind
and wave conditions is recommended on larger offshore wind facilities.
The project construction manual should contain operating weather parameters for each aspect
of the operation (e.g., foundation installation, turbine installation, inter-array cable laying).
These operating parameters should include a safety margin to allow for any changes in the
environmental conditions. All vessels should be capable of operating within the expected
prevalent weather conditions.
Weather forecasts should be required from a recognized meteorological agency that has
detailed knowledge of the area of operations. Weather forecasts should be provided at 12-
hour intervals and should contain forecasts for the next 24 to 48 hours, with the weather
outlook for the coming 3-to5-day period. Further guidance is included in the following
documents:
IEC 61400-3, Section 13.5
structuresPart 6: Marine operations, Section 7
ISO 13628-5, Petroleum and natural gas industriesDesign and operation of subsea
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 15.4.3, Weather window for pull-
in
7.2 Sea Transport
7.2.1 Loadout
Loadout should be performed in accordance with the appropriate sections of the installation
plan as well as IEC 61400-3, Section 13.7, and API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.2.2.4.
For vessels that lift from the water during loading operations, it should be demonstrated that
the pressure from the leg spud cans or mats exerted on soils near the quay will not
compromise the integrity of the quay. In addition, an adequate preload period determined for
the soil properties adjacent to the quay should be complete before lifting commences. See
Annex A, Section A.7.2.1, of this document for additional information.

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7.2.2 Sea Fastening
Adequate ties should be designed and installed for all OWT and cargo components to prevent
shifting while in transit. These ties shall be designed and installed according to the provisions
of API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.2.2.5.
7.2.3 Vessels and Equipment
A specification of all vessels to be used in the offshore installation should be provided. It
should highlight vessel characteristics, including station keeping, main equipment, and lift
capacity. Vessels to be used in the installation shall be classed by a USCG-recognized
organization for the service performed.
The proper number of seagoing tugs should be provided according to the recommendations of
API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.2.2.6.
Barge strength and stability should be determined in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 15.2.2.3.
Requirements for cargo or launch barges are given in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.2.
Requirements for crane operation and maintenance are given in IEC 61400-3, Sections 13.1
and 13.12, and in API RP 2D. The provisions of 29 CFR 1926, Subpart CC may also be
applicable.
7.3 Installation and Assembly
7.3.1 Installation Forces
General considerations for determining installation forces imposed on the component parts of
the rotor-nacelle assembly and support structure during the operations of moving the
components from their fabrication site or prior offshore location to the final offshore location,
and installing the component parts to form the completed OWT, are given in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 5.4.1.
Requirements for consideration of lifting forces imposed on the structure by erection lifts
during the installation stages of OWT construction are given in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 5.4.2.
Specific requirements for consideration of forces imposed on the rotor-nacelle assembly and
support structure during the loadout stage of OWT construction are given in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 5.4.3.
Requirements for consideration of forces imposed on the rotor-nacelle assembly and support
structure during the transportation stage of OWT construction are given in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 5.4.4.
Installation foundation loads should be calculated in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 5.4.6.
Consideration of hydrostatic pressure acting on unflooded or partially flooded members of a
support structure should be in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 5.4.7.
Consideration of forces created as component parts are unloaded from their transportation
vessel should be in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 5.4.8.
7.3.2 Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation and Support Structure Installation
The requirements for installation drawings are defined in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 12.7.
Installation of piles and monopiles should be performed in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 15.5.

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Grouting of connections other than between OWT transition pieces and monopiles should
follow API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.5.11. Grouting of connections between OWT transition
pieces and monopiles shall follow recognized standards that address recent field failures with
monopile sub-structures.
Installation of jacket-type and other multi-member sub-structures should be performed in
accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.3.
Installation of concrete gravity-base support structures should be performed in accordance
with ISO 19903,Petroleum and natural gas industriesFixed concrete offshore structures.
7.3.3 Wind Turbine Installation
In addition to manufacturers procedures, general guidance for wind turbine installation can be
found in IEC 61400-3, Sections 13.9, 13.10, and 13.11.
7.3.4 Submarine Cable Installation
7.3.4.1 Overview
Although there is an established track record for installing interconnect cables (landfall-to-
landfall) in the marine environment, most of these installations have been in largely protected
water, such as a bays or sound crossings, and not in the open ocean. As a result, at this time
in the case of offshore wind, there are no agreed-upon international or national standards for
installation of either submarine medium-voltage array cables or submarine high-voltage export
cables. Therefore, installation procedures currently rely heavily on cable installers
experience. Where standards and recommendations are not available, this document offers
suggestions gained from installation experience of contributing experts.
The installation requirements covered in ISO13628-5, Petroleum and natural gas industries
Design and operation of subsea production systemsPart 5:Subsea umbilicals are sometimes
used by European offshore wind facility developers and marine consultants as a guideline
document for wind facility cable installation, although they are not a direct standard for power
cable installation. See Appendix A, Section A.7.2.1.1, of this document for additional
information.
7.3.4.2 Cable Route Pre-Engineering / Survey
The developer should submit the results of its site characterization surveys (with supporting
data) to the regulatory body. Using data from the site characterization survey, the developer
should complete a desktop study focusing on factors along the proposed cable route that may
constrain and influence cable processes, affect system integrity, and control cost. The
desktop study should contain a proposed cable route plan, which should be modified and
adjusted, as required, in an iterative process as routing influences and constraints become
apparent throughout the planning phase.
A burial risk index and burial matrix should be produced for the proposed cable route, giving
practical and achievable target burial depths, and hence affording the required level of cable
protection for the likely hazards the seabed conditions along a route may present.
Guidance for conducting a route survey can be found in the following documents:
BOEMs Guidelines for providing geological and geophysical, hazards, and archaeological
information pursuant to 30 CFR part 585, which covers the requirements for any site
Standard for geotechnical site and route surveys. Minimum requirements for the
foundation of offshore wind turbines and power cable route burial assessments.
Bundesamtfr Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie, August 2003.

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Guidance for the requirements of a desktop study can be found in the following document:
ICPC Recommendation No. 3. Issue 9A:Criteria to be applied to proposed crossings
between submarine telecommunications cables and pipelines/powercables. Issue 2A:
Minimum technical requirements for a desktop study.
7.3.4.3 Cable Installation Vessel Requirements
Depending on the available water depth, there are presently three main options for a cable
installation platform:
Shallow water barge/vessel capable of grounding out: 0m to 6m
Main installation bargeminimum 6-point anchor mooring system or DP0 Class: 6m to
50m
Main installation vesselDP2 Class: usually over 10-m water depth under keel clearance
Correct selection of the main installation vessel and ancillary equipment is essential to
successfully install the offshore wind facility cabling, and is highly dependent on a detailed
awareness of site conditions combined with installation timetables and local environmental
considerations. On larger-scale projects, the likelihood is that the installation solution will be
made up of a number of the vessel types listed. In addition, the limited global supply of some
types of installation vessels will add complexity to project scheduling.
7.3.4.4 Cable Load
Responsibility for handling of the cable at every stage should be clearly defined, and the
exact point in the operation at which responsibility is transferred from one party to another
should be agreed upon before operations commence.
Depending on the cable design and specification, the cable should be designated as either
coilable or non-coilable.
Coilable cables should be supplied in predetermined lengths on cable reels or can be loaded
as a continuous length into a static tank fitted with a loading arm.
Non-coilable cables should require a powered carousel or turntable for cable handling and
movement.
To ensure that loading risk and procedures have been evaluated and agreed upon by all
concerned, a detailed loading plan should be produced as part of the project construction
manual. Loading trials should be undertaken to confirm suitability of the loading setup and to
prove that the cable will not be compromised during the loading procedure. Cable testing
through the loading of the vessel should be completed as per manufacturer recommendations
and project requirements.
Recommendations for cable storage can be found in the following document:
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 12, Storage
Recommendations for pre-planning loadout procedures can be found in the following
document:
ISO 13628-5 Petroleum and natural gas industriesDesign and operation of subsea
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 14:Loadout
Recommendations for lift operations during a loadout can be found in the following document:
IMCASEL 019, Guidelines for lifting operations
Cable acceptance testing should be completed to the manufacturers specification and
witnessed by a cable installation representative prior to commencement of the load.

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7.3.4.5 Route Clearance / Pre-Lay Grapnel Run
Prior to any cable installation, a combined route will be identified that is clear of service
cables, pipelines, or known obstructions. The pre-lay grapnel operation will be carried out
along the proposed installation route. The pre-lay grapnel operation is carried out to ensure
there are no recent physical obstructions along the proposed route, such as abandoned
fishing tackle, ropes, hawsers, or wires.
7.3.4.6 Cable Installation
As part of the construction manual, a cable lay plan should be developed and agreed upon by
all parties and should cover the installation sequencing and methodology between the cable
landing terrestrial shore end for the export cable, or first-end deployment of inter-array cables,
through to the second pull-in cable deployment for export and inter-array cables.
Careful consideration should be given to the design, planning, and installation of the cables,
pull-in equipment, cable protection systems, and bell mouth centralizer at the wind turbine
foundations.
The cable lay plan should highlight the maximum environmental conditions the cable can
withstand without compromise.
All marine operations should be planned in order to develop procedures that are both safe and
practical. The planning should be based on the use of well-proven principles, techniques,
systems, and equipment to ensure acceptable health and safety levels and prevent injury and
major economic losses.
An overview of the requirements for an installation operation can be found in the following
document:
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 15:Installation operations
An overview of structural analysis methods for testing/confirming the integrity of the cable for
given environmental loads through an installation can be found in the following document:
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Annex F (informative), Load-effect
analysis
For a main lay barge installation platform, shallow water barge platform recommendations for
single vessel and barge towing operations can be found in the following document:
structuresPart 6: Marine operations, Section 12 and Section 17
Recommendations for transportation of heavy objects on deck, or in cargo holds of
conventional vessels and supply vessels, can be found in the following document:
The following IMCA publications relate directly to cable installation requirements:
IMCA M 125, Safety interface document for a dynamic positioning vessel working near an
offshore platform
IMCA M 203, Guidance on simultaneous operations (SIMOPS)
IMCASEL 025, Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels
IMCA S 018, Guidance on the selection of satellite positioning systems for offshore
applications
The following United Kingdom Cable Protection Committee recommendation gives guidance
notes for the utilization of vessels engaged as guard/escort vessels during cable operations:
United Kingdom Cable Protection Committee. Doc No. 4.1.5,v6. October 21, 2010

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An inspection-class underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may be required of both
inter-array and export cables to monitor the cable touchdown point on the seabed through the
installation process. Alternatively, where environmental conditions may preclude the use of an
ROV, an advanced multi-beam sonar system can be used for touchdown monitoring.
7.3.4.6.1 J-Tube Cable Pull-in
A project-specific pull-in procedure should be developed as part of the project construction
plan. The pull-in procedure should incorporate a pull-in analysis, which indicates the
maximum potential tension exerted on the cable during the pull-in operation. The tensions
should also include an appropriate dynamic amplification factor. The results of the analysis
should prove the cable will not be compromised during the pull-in operation.
When designing the cable pull methodology, the installation contractor should take into
account the tensile capability of the cable and the minimum bend radius of the cable layout at
the J-tube structure prior to application of any additional cable protection system.
Careful consideration and effective planning should be given to the selection of the J-tube
cable protection system because there are a number of different cable protection systems
available for offshore wind facility installations. Factors affecting the selection of the
protection system include requirements for ROV interventionwhether it is pre-installed at the
J-tube or installed during operations onboard the installation vessel. All have a major effect on
the working deck engineering design and layout and all influence the time taken onsite for the
cable end pull-ins.
It is advisable that the installation contractor should, in conjunction with the nominated cable
protection system supplier, perform trial cable pulls onshore at a test facility specifically
designed to allow full-scale pull-in operations to be simulated, observed, and repeated.
Recommendations for the J-tube pull-in operations can be found in the following documents:
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 15.4:I-tube or J-tube pull-in
operations
7.3.4.6.2 Cable / Pipeline Crossings
Installation procedures and protection requirements for cable and pipeline crossings should
be agreed upon by third-party owners as part of the installation pre-engineering work.
Recommendations for cable and pipeline crossings can be found in the following documents:
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals, Section 15.15:Pipeline crossing
ICPC Recommendation No. 3, Issue 9A, Criteria to be applied to proposed crossings
between submarine telecommunications cables and pipeline/power cables
7.3.4.6.3 Cable Protection
The cable should primarily be protected by means of burial. The depth of burial or depth of
cover should be determined as part of the pre-engineering design phase and should be in
accordance with the permits in place for the project. The level of risk, and therefore depth of
cover, should be achievable and should be more detailed in the burial risk matrix that the
contractor will be required to fulfill.
There are three established methods with which to bury exposed or partially buried cable,
using vehicles categorized under the following document:
IMCA R 004, Code of practice for the safe and efficient operation of remotely operated
vehicles, Rev. 3 July 2009 3.4 Class IVTowed and bottom crawling vehicles
See Annex A, Section A.7.2.1.2, of this document for additional information.


Page | 35

7.3.4.7 Diver Intervention
Depending on the offshore wind project requirements, divers may be used in support of the
cable installation processeither during J-tube cable end pull-ins, or for post-installation
protection requirements, including mattressing. In addition, diver intervention may be required
on certain plow/tractor burial systems. Guidance is included in the following documents:
ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International). (2004). Consensus Standards for
Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations, 5th ed. Flagstaff, AZ: Best Publishing.
IMCA D 042 Rev. 1, Diver and ROV-based concrete mattress handling, deployment,
installation, repositioning and decommissioning
IMCA R 016, Diver and ROV-based concrete mattress handling, deployment, installation,
repositioning and decommissioning
IMCA D 014 Rev. 1, IMCA international code of practice for offshore diving
7.3.5 Electric Service Platform Installation
In addition to the applicable requirements of 7.3.2 OWT Foundation and Support Structure
Installation, electric service platform installation should follow the recommendations in API
RP 2A-WSD, Section 15.6.
7.3.6 Scour Protection
Where scour is a possibility, it should either be mitigated through the use of methods (e.g.,
laying rocks or frond mats) that are suitable for the characteristics of the site or be included in
the design. General scour guidance is provided in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 4.3.7.5.

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8 Qualification Testing
8.1 Inspection
8.1.1 General
General considerations for quality control, inspection, and testing are given in API
RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.1.
8.1.2 Scope
The scope for quality control, inspection, and testing is as defined in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 16.2.
8.1.3 Inspection Personnel
Requirements for inspection personnel are given in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.3.
8.1.4 Fabrication Inspection
Inspection of materials should conform with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.4.1.
Inspections of the support structure should be made during all phases of fabrication (e.g., pre-
fabrication, rolling, forming, welding, interim storage, assembly, erection) and should be made
in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.4.2.
Welding inspection and testing should be performed in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD
Section 16.4.3.
Inspection of corrosion protection systems should be in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 16.4.4.
Inspections of all installation aids and appurtenances should be performed in accordance with
API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.4.5.
8.1.5 Loadout, Seafastening, and Transportation Inspection
Inspection should be performed for all areas related to loadout, seafastening, and
transportation in accordance with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.5.
8.1.6 Installation Inspection
Requirements for the inspections to be made prior to lifts, launches, and upendings are
defined in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.6.1.
Requirements for the inspections to be made for pile installation are defined in API RP 2A,
Section 16.6.2. In addition, blow count records should be maintained, including both the blow
count per 1m (3 ft) of penetration and the total blow count at every 1m (3 ft) of penetration,
until the design penetration is achieved, the blow count limits are reached, or pile refusal is
encountered. In the case of an OWT monopile, the inspection should also confirm that the
monopile has been driven within the tolerances on verticality required to allow the OWT tower
to be installed within the turbine manufacturers tolerances.
Requirements for inspections to be performed for installation of the support structure are
defined in API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.6.3.
If the installation requires underwater operations, inspections should be made in accordance
with API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.6.4.

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8.1.7 Inspection Documentation
API RP 2A-WSD, Section 16.7 provides requirements for the compilation and retention of data
related to the inspection of the OWT generated during the fabrication, erection, loadout, and
installation phases, which is in addition to data required by other parts of this document.
8.1.8 Electrical System Inspection
Post-installation cable tests are defined by the following standards:
ICEA S-57-401/NEMA Standards Publication No.WC2, Submarine power cables: Design,
installation, repair, environmental aspects
IEC 60840, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories. For rated
voltages above 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U
m
= 170 kV). Test methods and
requirements
IEC 61400-3, Offshore requirements for wind turbines. Ed. 1, Section 14
8.2 Commissioning
Procedures for commissioning an OWT should be provided by the manufacturer of the turbine
and substation. General guidance can be found in IEC 61400-3, Section 14.

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9 Safety Management System, Safety Equipment, and Navigational Aids
9.1 U.S. Regulations
This section provides some of the safety and navigational regulatory documents that should
be considered when siting,
12
designing, and installing offshore wind facilities in U.S. OCS
waters and may be useful as guidance for U.S. State waters. Regulations other than those
identified here may also be in effect. It is the responsibility of the developer to determine
applicable rules and regulations that should be followed, based on the location and type of
development.
33 CFR 140147, Outer Continental Shelf activities contain USCG regulations concerning
identification markings, means of escape, guard rails, life preservers, fire extinguishers,
first aid kits, and so on.
29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards provides Occupational Safety and
Health Administration(OSHA) requirements for safe design of floors, handrails, stairways,
ladders, and so on. Some of the requirements may apply in U.S. State waters.
33 CFR 67, Aids to navigation on artificial islands and fixed structures contains USCG
regulations for aids to marine navigation, such as lights and foghorns on offshore
structures. FAA AC70/7460-1K, Obstruction marking and lighting, includes requirements
for the marking and lighting of wind turbines and other obstructions to aviation.
FAA AC150/5390-2C and API RP 2L provide regulations governing the design, marking,
and lighting of helicopter landing decks.
30 CFR 585.605 to .618, Site assessment plan
30 CFR 585.620 to .638, Construction and operations plan
30 CFR 585.640 to .657, General activities plan
30 CFR 585.701, Facility design report
30 CFR 585.702, Fabrication and installation report
30 CFR 585, Subpart HEnvironmental and safety management, inspections, and facility
assessments for activities conducted under site assessment plans, construction and
operations plans, and general activities plans
- 30 CFR 585.800 to .803, General operating requirements
- 30 CFR 585.810 to .811, Safety management systems
- 30 CFR 585.813, Maintenance and shutdowns
33 CFR 140147, Outer Continental Shelf activities
33 CFR 67, Aids to navigation on artificial islands and fixed structures
46 CFR 108.231, Application
46 CFR 108 Subpart D, Fire extinguishing systems
See Annex A, Section A.2, of this document for additional information concerning the following
documents:
EN50308, Wind turbines. Protective measures. Requirements for design, operation and
maintenance
FAA Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, Obstruction marking and lighting
IALA Recommendation O-139, The marking of man-made offshore structures
IEC 61400-3, Section 14.2, Design requirements for safe operation, inspection and
maintenance

12
General siting recommended practices are outside the scope of this document.

Page | 39

9.2 Worker Health and Safety Guidance
AWEA is developing guidance on offshore worker health and safety via the AWEA Health and
Safety Committee. That document should be used as reference for all worker health and
safety issues. Section A.9 in the Annex contains guidance information on design aspects of
worker health and safety.
9.3 Navigational Warning Devices and Marking Information
The USCG sets requirements for aids to marine navigation via 33 CFR Part 67. FAA
AC70/7460-1K provides requirements for marking and lighting obstructions to aviation.
Information that shall be required to obtain approval includes the following:
Navigational warning lights, sound signals (foghorn) and markings, radar reflectors, and
so on, including any flashing characteristics of the lights
Size, color, and location on tower and platform structures of a numbering or marking
system for the offshore wind facility
Permitted colors for OWTs and associated structures, keeping in mind international
standards for such towers and platforms colors required as mitigation measures, and
colors that have been shown by testing to provide more acceptable visual impact
Notices for cable location and depth, warnings of potential blade failure, and any other
safety information signage

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10 Operations and In-Service Inspections
U.S. Regulation 30 CFR Part 585 contains BOEM and Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement(BSEE) regulations that directly govern operations and in-service inspections for
offshore wind facilities in U.S. OCS waters. Other regulations may also be in effect,
particularly in U.S. State waters where the federal regulatory framework may be used as
guidance. It is the responsibility of the developer to ensure that all applicable rules and
regulations are followed in the development of procedures, manuals, and plans. See Annex A,
Section A.10.1, of this document for additional U.S. regulations that contain relevant
information but are not enforced for offshore wind installations, as well as other references
that may prove useful in satisfying the regulations.
30 CFR 585.605 to .618, Site Assessment Plan(SAP)
30 CFR 585.620 to .638, Construction and Operations Plan(COP)
30 CFR 585.640 to .657, General Activities Plan(GAP)
30 CFR 585.701, Facility Design Report(FDR)
30 CFR 585.702, Fabrication and Installation Report(FIR)
30 CFR 585, Subpart HEnvironmental and safety management, inspections, and facility
assessments for activities conducted under SAPs, COPs and GAPs
- 30 CFR 585.800 to .803, General operating requirements
- 30 CFR 585.810 to .811, Safety management systems
- 30 CFR 585.813, Maintenance and shutdowns
- 30 CFR 585.820 to .825, Inspections and assessments
30 CFR 250.130, Inspection of operations
30 CFR 250.198, Documents incorporated by reference
30 CFR 250.201, Plans and information to be submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE)
30 CFR 250.901, Industry standards
30 CFR 250.919, In-service inspection plans
30 CFR 282.27, Conduct of operations
EN50308, Section 4.14.1, Operators instruction manual and maintenance manual
IEC 61400-3, Section 14, Commissioning, operation and maintenance
ABS Guide for building and classing bottom-founded offshore wind turbine installations
Chapter 1, Section 3, Surveys after construction
Chapter 6, Marine operations
GL guideline for certification of offshore wind turbines, Chapter 9:Operating manual
GL guideline for certification of offshore wind turbines, Chapter 9:Maintenance manual
GL guideline for certification of offshore wind turbines, Chapter 11:Periodic monitoring
DNV-OS-J101, Design of offshore wind turbine structures, Section 13:In-service
inspection, maintenance and monitoring
ASCE Manual 101, Underwater investigations standard practice manual
API RP 2A, 21st Ed., Section 14
BSEE Technology Assessment & Research (TA&R) 627, Assess/develop inspection
methodologies for offshore wind turbine facilities

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BSEETA&R 650, Inspection refinements for offshore wind turbine blades
BSEETA&R 633, Template for a safety management system for offshore wind on the OCS
ISO 19902, Petroleum and natural gas industries, fixed steel offshore structures, Section
14:Inspection and condition monitoring
ISO 19903, Petroleum and natural gas industries, fixed concrete offshore structures,
Section 23:In-service inspection and structural integrity management

10.2 Operations
10.2.1 Maintenance Manual
A maintenance manual should be developed to track all scheduled and unscheduled
maintenance activities for the offshore wind facility, including any manufacturer-specified
planned maintenance procedures. Both above- and below-water equipment and systems
should be included. The maintenance manual should designate safety critical equipment as
noted in the safety management system(SMS) documentation. Additional information on the
maintenance manual can be found in TA&R 633 referenced above.
10.2.2 Condition Monitoring
When a condition monitoring system (CMS) is used for an offshore wind facility or group of
facilities, the following considerations should be included in its design:
Operations under offshore conditions and any extreme conditions likely at the location
(e.g., temperatures)
Data storage and transmission
Uninterruptible power supply dedicated to the condition monitoring system located on
board each turbine
Future expansion of the system
Use of a condition monitoring system should be included in the SMS, especially with respect
to responding to anomalous conditions identified by the system.
The CMS used for an offshore wind facility or group of facilities should consider design
guidance provided by GL guideline for the certification of offshore wind turbines, Edition 2005
and GL guideline for the certification of condition monitoring systems for wind turbines, Edition
2007. ISO 19902 and 19903 contain additional information on condition monitoring.
10.3 In-Service Inspections
10.3.1 General
An in-service inspection plan (ISIP) should be developed for the offshore wind facility that
addresses individual wind turbine facilities, the entire offshore wind facility, its infrastructure,
and any electric service platform. The ISIP should address the topics in the following sections
and should address the entire expected service life of the project. Consideration should be
made for updating the ISIP as needed to address changes to the project, anomalous
conditions identified, repairs, and so on.
Inspection techniques, non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements, and inspector
qualifications should also be included as part of the ISIP. Structural inspections should focus
on identifying damage or degradation such as dents, holes, signs of plastic strain, missing
members, loose connections, crack indications, wear, and corrosion.
These requirements address structural concerns. Mechanical and electrical system
components should be addressed via the operations and maintenance requirements in
Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 of this document.

Page | 42

Additional guidance on ISIP development and content can be found in TA&R 627 and 650,
ABS Guide, GL and DNV Guidelines, ISO 19902 and 19002, and API RP 2A referenced
above.
10.3.2 Frequency of Inspections
Various prescribed inspection frequency intervals for above- and below-water systems have
been developed and may be applied to OWT structural systems. These include ASCE Manual
101 (Table 2-2, Recommended Maximum Interval Between Underwater Routine Inspections),
API RP 2A (Table 14.4.2-1, Guideline Survey Intervals), BSEETA&R 627 (Table II.1,
Inspection Cycles), and DNV-OS-J101 (Section 13, In-Service Inspection, Maintenance and
Monitoring) referenced above. Alternatively, a risk-based approach may be used to set
inspection intervals. 30 CFR 585.824 outlines the U.S. regulatory inspection expectations.
Regardless of the approach used, the following should be considered as described in TA&R
627:
Condition: As facilities age, they may require more or different inspections than newer
facilities
Consequence of Failure: More critical systems or components may require more frequent
or intensive inspections
Environmental Conditions: The prevailing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature
variations, wind and wave loading, seismic exposure) should be considered, especially
with respect to their effect on degradation of the facility
Multi-Unit Offshore Wind Facilities: Addressing all inspection needs for a multi-unit
offshore wind facility within a given time frame may not be possible; inspections may have
to be spread out over several years.
10.3.3 Qualifications of Inspection Personnel
It is important that personnel executing inspections have the requisite qualifications applicable
to the inspections they will be performing, including the following:
Training related to the instruments or equipment necessary for the inspections (note that
safety-related training should be included in the SMS; see Section 9.2 of this document)
Understanding of the intent of the inspection and the anomalies that are possible or
prevalent
Knowledge of how to document the inspection results, including anomalies found and
positive inspection details. ASCE Manual 101, ISO 19902, and ISO 19903 provide
guidance on personnel qualifications.
10.3.4 Subsea Support Structure Inspections
In addition to general inspection of the subsea support structure during inspections, more
intensive inspections may be specified for critical areas, as defined during the design
processthese include areas of previous damage or repair and areas known to have higher
frequency of degradation, such as the following:
Circumferential welds on monopiles
Welded connections on braced support structures
Major vertical members (e.g., legs, braces)
Splash zones
Construction joints
Penetrations
Embedded plates
Corrosion protection areas (e.g., coatings and cathodic protection)

Page | 43

Seabed scour areas
Sand waves/exposure areas
Appurtenance connections (e.g., J-tubes and cable supports)
Settlement/subsidence areas
The splash zone region may be included in either the subsea inspections or the above-water
inspections, but it is important that this region be targeted in the inspection campaign. These
topics are further addressed in TA&R 627, ISO 19902 and 19903, and API RP 2A.
10.3.5 Subsea Equipment Inspections
In addition to general inspection of subsea equipment systems, more intensive inspections
should be specified for critical areas, as defined during the design process, such as areas of
previous damage or repair and areas known to have higher frequency of degradation. At a
minimum, the following subsea equipment should be included in any general inspection:
Risers/J-tubes and attachments to the sub-structure
Electrical and control cables within field with particular attention to cables crossing other
infrastructure
Electrical cables to shore with particular attention to cables crossing other infrastructure
Connectors and junction boxes
The cable inspections should periodically confirm that buried cables remain at their installed
depth beneath the sea floor as discussed in TA&R 627.
10.3.6 Above-Water Support Structure and Access Systems
Inspection of the following should be emphasized during above-water structural inspections:
Tower to sub-structure attachment
Transition piece, including grout condition
Access systems (e.g., ladders, walkways, boat landing, swing ropes, handrails, helipads,
helicopter abseil platforms) and lifting systems
Appurtenances and attachments (e.g., J-tubes)
Coating condition
Nacelle structural integrity
Overall facility inclination (i.e., determining if the facility leans due to structural
deformation, differential settlement, or other causes)
Areas of previous damage or repair
Further guidance on above water inspections is contained in TA&R 627, ISO 19902 and
19903, and API RP 2A, as well as in the ABS Guide and GL and DNV guidelines referenced in
10.1 above.
10.3.7 Blades
Physical inspection of the blades should focus on damage and degradation that can be
identified by either remote visual inspection (e.g., via binoculars or other optical device) or
internally through the root of the blade. Condition monitoring can provide information
regarding lightning strikes. The requirements for lightning protection are covered in IEC
61400-24. The physical blade inspection includes identifying the following:
Leading- and trailing-edge erosion
Lightning damage
Bond separation or failures, especially along the leading and trailing edges
Areas of previous damage or repair

Page | 44

Consideration should be made for expanding the inspection scope and the use of NDE
techniques (e.g., ultrasonic) when damage is identified or when anomalies are identified in
blades of the same or similar design. Access issues should be addressed to provide a safe
means of performing activities that may require close inspection of the blades.
10.3.8 Blade specific guidance can be found in TA&R 650 referenced above.
10.3.9 Inspection Scope Expansion
The ISIP should include provisions for expanding the inspection scope when planned
inspections identify anomalies. This expansion may include a more thorough examination of
the area around the anomaly, additional inspections for that facility, or additional inspections
throughout the offshore wind facility. This expansion may need to be defined based on an
engineering review of the data from the planned inspection or could be defined as automatic
depending on the anomaly identified. The ISIP may include details of what is considered an
anomaly for various common conditions (e.g., crack indications, corrosion, and erosion) to aid
in this process. ASCE Manual 101 provides guidance on expanding scope based on
inspection findings using the term special inspection, and additional information can be
found in ISO 19902 and 19903 referenced above.
10.3.10 Post-Event Inspections
Environmental events that impose loads on the offshore wind turbines and other structures
near or above the design level loading (e.g., hurricanes or earthquakes) may trigger an
inspection program for the offshore wind facility. Generally, regulators should consider
inspections after load events that can be reasonably estimated to have approached a design
limit state, but mandatory inspections may be imposed at lower load levels if sufficient
evidence of possible damage is present. These inspections should be planned in the ISIP and
should identify specific areas that are likely to have experienced high stresses as shown by
design analyses.
Equipment systems and structural appurtenances may experience damage even if there is no
significant structural damage. Evaluation of these components should also be part of a post-
event inspection plan.
This concept is further discussed in TA&R 627, Section 14.4.3 of API RP 2A, and ISO 19902
and 19903. 30 CFR 585.825 contains U.S. regulatory expectations for assessments, including
inspections.
10.3.11 Inspection Review
Inspection results should be reviewed after each inspection whether it is planned, post-event,
or triggered by some other event. This review ensures the following:
The inspections were performed as planned and have been adequately documented
Results of the inspection are incorporated into an updated ISIP as needed
Any anomalous conditions are dealt with in a timely manner, including:
- cleared as is with follow-up inspections scheduled as needed;
- identified for further investigation either through additional inspections or analysis to
determine further action (e.g., repairs); and
- addressing similar areas on other facilities in the offshore wind facility, as appropriate
The engineers performing the review should be familiar with inspections and the interpretation
of inspection results. It is preferable, although not required, that they are also either familiar
with the facility design and its operation or are familiar with the ISIP development and
execution.
Additional information on review of inspection data can be found in TA&R 627, ISO 19902,
and ISO 19903 as referenced in 10.1 above.

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10.3.12 Data Retention
Regulators may require various levels of data reporting that is facilitated by establishing a
data collection and retention process within the ISIP. Additionally, this data collection allows
responsible personnel to be able to evaluate the current condition of the offshore wind
facilities and update the ISIP as necessary. The concept of data retention and its use is
further discussed in TA&R 627 and ISO 19902 and 19903.
The ISIP should also indicate data reporting requirements for each inspection activity that
should include the following:
Data collection checklists and expected data to be reported for each activity
Requirements for anomaly measurements
Requirements for photographs and videos

10.4 Re-use of Facilities
It may be necessary or desirable to install a new turbine (with or without a new tower) on an
existing sub-structure and foundation, or to move an existing turbine (with or without a new
tower) to a new sub-structure and foundation. This would constitute a re-use with the following
special considerations:
Re-use of an existing sub-structure and foundation requires that:
- the full design process be repeated as if the entire installation were new and all new
design checks must be satisfied. Strength checks may be waived if the new turbine
system being installed is substantially identical to the previously installed turbine
system.
- fatigue checks account for the damage accumulation from the previous service life.
The safety factor on previously accumulated damage should be the same as that for a
new design. All welds should be subjected to 100% NDE and found to be undamaged,
or repaired if damage is found. The safety factor for future damage should be the
same as that for a new design.
Re-use of an existing turbine system (with or without a new tower structure) requires that:
- the full design process be repeated as if the entire installation were new and all new
design checks should be satisfied. It is recommended that any type certification for the
turbine system be renewed or reviewed by the certifying body.
- fatigue checks account for the damage accumulation from the previous service life.
The safety factor on previously accumulated damage should be the same as that for a
new design. All welds should be subjected to 100% NDE and found to be undamaged,
or repaired if damage is found. The safety factor for future damage should be the
same as for new design.
For either turbine system or sub-structure and foundation re-use, a thorough inspection of
the re-used structure should be undertaken with NDE, and other testing used where
appropriate. The intent is to establish the condition of the support structure and identify
any existing damage so it can be repaired or incorporated into the design considerations.
Additional guidance on re-use inspections can be found in API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 18.2.4.
Modifications to an existing turbine may also constitute a re-use. For example, replacement of
turbine blades with blades of a different design, or upgrades to turbine mechanical and control
systems that cause rotational speeds to change from those obtained with the previous turbine
for the same wind history, are equivalent to installing a new turbine on an existing sub-
structure.
Installation of a replacement turbine does not constitute a re-use provided the replacement is
identical to the existing turbine and the service life of the facility is not extended. In order for
the turbines to be considered identical, the designer should present analysis to demonstrate
that no significant change to the dynamic properties, rotational velocities, aerodynamic

Page | 46

characteristics, or loading of the sub-structure were introduced in the design of the new
turbine.
In addition to API RP 2A, re-use is also discussed in ISO 19902, A.16.12.

Page | 47

11 Decommissioning
U.S. Regulation 30 CFR Part 585 Subpart I contains BOEM and BSEE regulations directly
related to the decommissioning of offshore wind facilities in U.S. OCS waters. Also see Annex
A, Section A.11.1 of this document.
11.2 Decommissioning Plan
As part of the project development process, a decommissioning plan should be created that
addresses how the facilities should be decommissioned and removed once the facility is no
longer in use either because it is no longer needed or it has been too damaged to continue
operations. The plan should consider the following:
Regulatory requirements
Removal or decommissioning of the rotor-nacelle assembly and above-water support
structure and equipment
Removal or decommissioning of below-water support structure and equipment, usually to
5m below the sea floor
Removal or decommissioning of array cabling and systems
Removal or decommissioning of export cable


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12 Limitations and Addressing Gaps
The purpose of AWEA OCRP 2012 is to direct the user to standards and guidelines that exist
in the international wind energy community that can be appropriately applied to the design
and deployment environment that is unique to the United States, both in state and federal
waters. As of this writing, there are no offshore wind facilities in the United States, so much of
the guidance put forward by this document is derived from experience in other countries (e.g.,
countries in Europe) and other industries (e.g., oil and gas, subsea cable, marine vessels). In
some cases, a standard or guideline for a specific offshore wind design, installation, or
operational step does not exist or is translated to the less mature offshore wind space with a
higher degree of uncertainty. Moreover, even in more mature industries, no standard or
guideline provides a perfect roadmap to success because documented practices and scientific
understanding significantly lag experience. Gaps, inaccuracies, and ambiguous interpretations
of the standards will introduce project risk and can lead to failures, inefficiencies, cost
overruns, and poor performance if they are not properly addressed.
For offshore wind facility design, installation, and operation, there is no substitute for rigorous
engineering at the component and systems level. In addition, a third-party engineering review
is an essential part of the regulatory process in state or federal waters. The review should be
inclusive of all major systems of the facility, including the blades, turbine control systems,
towers and sub-structures, array cables, export cables, and the electric service platform. It
should also include an oversight assessment of the design, manufacturing, construction,
transportation, vessels, installation, commissioning, operations, and decommissioning plan
during each stage of the project. The engineering and third-party evaluations should remain
consistent with Type and Project certification, which are mandatory for compliance with IEC
61400-1, 61400-3, and 61400-22, and guidelines used by major certifying bodies.
Under the current regulations (30 CFR 585) promulgated by BOEM in 2010, developers in
U.S. federal waters may be required to retain a CVA to formally serve as their third-party
reviewer, although the responsibility for final approval is with BOEM. The exact role of the
CVA is not described thoroughly in 30 CFR 585; however, some suggested roles and
expected qualifications of the offshore wind facility CVA are described in the following
National Academies report:
Transportation Research Board, National Academies, Structural Integrity of Offshore
Wind Turbines: Oversight of Design, Fabrication, and Installation, Committee on Offshore
Wind Energy Turbine Structural and Operational Safety, April 2011.
According to the National Academies report, in evaluating potential CVAs, the developer
should work closely with the [regulators] to seek organizations and individuals that are
independent and objective, have the necessary expertise, have a management structure with
well-defined roles and responsibilities with oversight by a registered professional engineer,
and have an auditable quality plan and record-keeping processes.
Due to the complexity of the projects and the desire to facilitate the introduction of new
innovations and technology, the industry and regulators should accept that standards are
incomplete and should be willing to take the necessary steps to safely move forward. The
designers, developers, certifying bodies, and third-party engineers all play a role in ensuring
that the offshore wind facility is deployed in a safe and orderly manner with minimal disruption
to the environment.
Section 3.11 of the 2011 National Academies report provides a more detailed list of some
gaps that have been identified to date as they pertain to installations in U.S. waters. The
issues described in this section should be fully addressed at the design stagethey include
but are not limited to the following:
Incomplete coverage of hurricane design conditions
Recent issues with monopile grout failures
Uncertainties in addressing soils strength
Ice loading (e.g., Great Lakes)
Design assessment of breaking waves

Page | 49

Gravity-based support structure installation and design
Extrapolations to larger turbine sizes
Floating systems
The following is a list of broad subjects pertaining to offshore wind facilities that are not
addressed adequately by this edition or the existing standards in guidelines of the industry at
large:
Appropriate design standards for offshore structures supporting wind turbines constructed
of materials other than structural steel, such as reinforced concrete
Guidance for structural types, such as gravity structures and suction pile foundations
Manufacturing requirements for rotor-nacelle assembly control and protection systems,
mechanical systems, and electrical systems for OWTs
Appropriate standards for submarine cable installation

Page | 50

13 Complete References
13.1 Reference Documents
ACI357R, Guide for the Design and Construction of Fixed Offshore Concrete Structures
ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International). (2004). Consensus Standards for
Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations, 5th ed. Flagstaff, AZ: Best Publishing.
AMEC Energy.(2004). Blyth Harbour Wind FarmOperational Aspects.Technical report for
DTI New and Renewable Energy Programme. London: Department of Trade and Industry.
ASCE Manual 101 (see Childs 2001). Underwater investigation: Standard practice manual
BERR (Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform). (2008). Offshore Wind
Capital Grants Scheme. Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm 3rd Annual Report January 2007
December 2007. London: BERR.
BOEMRE. (2011). Guidelines for Providing Geological and Geophysical, Hazards, and
Archaeological Information Pursuant to 30 CFR Part 585. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department
of the Interior.
BSEE. (2011). Offshore Electrical Cable Burial for Wind Farms: State of the Art, Standards
and Guidance & Acceptable Burial Depths, Separation Distances and Sand Wave Effect.
Technology Assessment and Research Report Number 671. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
BSH. (2003).Standard for Geotechnical Site and Route Surveys.Minimum Requirements for
the Foundation of Offshore Wind Turbines and Power Cable Route Burial Assessments.
Hamburg, Germany: Bundesamtfr Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie.
Childs, K.M. Jr. (2001). Underwater Investigation: Standard Practice Manual. Manual of
Practice No. 101.Sponsored by Ports and Harbors Task Committee on Underwater
Investigation of the Coasts, Oceans, Ports and River Institute. Reston, VA: ASCE.
CIGRE (Conference Internationale des Grandes Reseaux Electriques).(1997).
Recommendations for Mechanical Tests on Submarine Cables.Electra (171:3).
CIGRE.(2000a). Recommendations for Testing of Long AC Submarine Cables with Extruded
Insulation for System Voltage 30 (36) to 150 (170) kV.Electra (189:1).
CIGRE.(2000b). Recommendations for Testing of Long AC Submarine Cables with Extruded
Insulation for System Voltage 30 to 170kV.Electra (189:2).
CIGRE.(2003). Testing DC Extruded Cable Systems for Power Transmission up to
250kV.Electra (206:4).
CIGRE.(2005). Recommendations for Tests of Power Transmission DC Cables for a Rated
Voltage up to 800kV.Electra (218:3).
CIGRE.(2011). Guidelines for the Design and Construction of AC Offshore Substations for
Wind Power Plants (working group B3.26), Guideline 483.
Garrad Hassan and Partners Ltd. (2003). Garrad Hassan ReportReview of Offshore Wind
Farm Project Features, Appendix 3-F. Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Mudri!, M. (2010).Rights of States Regarding Underwater Cables and Pipelines. Australian
Resources & Energy Law Journal (29:2). ICPC Recommendation No. 9.
OSHA 3149.(n.d.)Construction Resource Manual. Washington, D.C.: Occupational Safety and
Health Administration

Page | 51

Renewable UK.(2010). Guidelines for Onshore and Offshore Wind FarmsHealth and Safety
in the Wind Energy Industry Sector. London: Renewable UK.
Renewable UK and Crown Estate (2011). "Guidance Notes for the Utilisation of Vessels
Engaged as Guard/Escort Vessels During Cable Operations," Revision C, December 16.
Transportation Research Board, National Academies. (2011). Structural Integrity of Offshore
Wind Turbines: Oversight of Design, Fabrication, and Installation, Committee on Offshore
Wind Energy Turbine Structural and Operational Safety, April 2011.
UKCPC.(2010). Doc No. 4.1.5 v6.United Kingdom Cable Protection Committee.
Worzyk, T. (2009).Submarine Power Cables: Design, Installation, Repair, Environmental
Aspects. ICEA No.S-57-401/NEMA Standards Publication No.WC2. Heidelberg, Germany:
Springer-Verlag.
13.2 Code of Federal Regulations
13.2.1 Title 29: Labor
29 CFR 1926 subpt. CC, Safety and health regulations for construction
29 CFR 1926.605, Safety and health regulations for constructionMarine operations and
equipment
29 CFR 1910, OSHA
13.2.2 Title 30: Mineral Resources
30 CFR 250, Oil and gas and sulphur operations in the outer continental shelf
30 CFR 250.1725, When do I have to remove platforms and other facilities?
30 CFR 250.1752, How do I remove a pipeline?
30 CFR 250.902, What are the requirements for platform removal and location clearance?
30 CFR 282, Approved underground storage tank programs
30 CFR 585, Subpart H, Environmental and safety management, inspections, and facility
assessments for activities conducted under SAPs, COPs and GAPs
30 CFR 585.605.618, Site Assessment Plan (SAP)
30 CFR 585.620.638, Construction and Operations Plan (COP)
30 CFR 585.640.657, General Activities Plan (GAP)
30 CFR 585.701, Facility Design Report (FDR)
30 CFR 585.702, Fabrication and Installation Report (FIR)
30 CFR 585.800.803, Safety and environmental requirements
30 CFR 585.810, What must I include in my Safety Management System?
30 CFR 585.811, When must I follow my Safety Management System?
30 CFR 585.813, When do I have to report removing equipment from service?
30 CFR 585 Subpart I, Decommissioning
30 CFR 585, Renewable energy alternate uses of existing facilities on the outer continental
shelf
13.2.3 Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
33 CFR 67, Aids to navigation on artificial islands and fixed structures
33 CFR 140147, Outer continental shelf activities
33 CFR 143.1341 (see A.2)
33 CFR 146 Subch. N, Outer continental shelf activities
33 CFR 322, Permits for structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the United
States
13.2.4 Title 46: Shipping
46 CFR 108, Design and equipment
46 CFR Chapter 1, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
46 CFR 108.231, Application
46 CFR 108 Subpart D, Fire extinguishing systems

Page | 52

13.3 Standards and Guidelines
ABS Rules for building and classing offshore installations
ABS Guide for building and classing mobile offshore units

AISC 335-89, Specification for structural steel buildingsAllowable stress design and plastic
design
ANSI/ICEA S-93-639/NEMA WC 74, 546 kV Shielded power cable for use in the transmission
and distribution of electric energy

API Bulletin 2HINS, Guidance for post-hurricane structural inspection of offshore structures
API Bulletin 2INT-EX, Interim guidance for assessment of existing offshore structures for
hurricane conditions
API RP 2A-WSD, 22nd ed., Recommended practice for planning, designing and constructing
fixed offshore steel platformsworking stress design
API RP 2D, Recommended practice for operation and maintenance of offshore cranes
API RP 2EQ, Seismic design procedures and criteria for offshore structures
API RP 2GEO, Geotechnical and foundation design considerations
API RP 2L, Recommended practice for planning, designing, and constructing heliports for
fixed offshore platforms
API RP 2MET, Derivation of metocean design and operating conditions
API RP 2N, Recommended practice for planning, designing and constructing structures and
pipelines for arctic conditions
API RP 2SIM, Recommended practice for structural integrity management of fixed offshore
structures

ASCE Manual 101, Underwater investigation: standard practice manual (see Childs 2001)
ASCE/AWEARP2011, Recommended practice for compliance of large land-based wind turbine
support structures
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Technology Assessment &
Research (TA&R) Program documents:
BSEETA&R 627, Assess/develop inspection methodologies for offshore wind turbine facilities
BSEETA&R 633, Wind farm/turbine accidents and the applicability to risks to personnel and
property on the OCS, and design standards to ensure structural safety/reliability/survivability
of offshore wind farms on the OCS
BSEETA&R 650, Offshore wind turbine inspection refinements
BSEETA&R 651, Evaluate the Effect of Turbine Period of Vibration Requirements on
Structural Design Parameters
BSEETA&R 656, Seabed Scour Considerations
BSEETA&R670, Design Standards for Offshore Wind Farms
BSEETA&R 671, Offshore Electrical Cable Burial for Wind Farms: State of the Art; Standards
and Guidance; Acceptable Burial Depths and Separation Distances; and Sand Wave Effects

Det Norske Veritas (DNV) documents:
DNV-OS-D101, Marine and machinery systems and equipment
DNV-OS-J101, Design of offshore wind turbine structures
DNV-OS-J201, Offshore substations for wind farms
DNV-OS-J301, Standard for classification of wind turbine installation units
DNV-RP-J101, Use of remote sensing for wind energy assessments (Recommended Practice)

EN50308, Wind turbinesProtective measuresRequirements for design, operation and
maintenance

FAA Advisory Circular, AC150/5390-2C, Heliport design
FAA AC70/7460 1K, Obstruction marking and lighting


Page | 53

GL Renewables Certification.(2005). Guideline for the Certification of Offshore Wind
Turbines. Hamburg, Germany: Germanischer Lloyd.

International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)
document:
IALA Recommendation O-139, The marking of man-made offshore structures

ICEA S-57-401/NEMA Standards Publication No.WC2 (see Worzyk 2009), Submarine power
cables: Design, installation, repair, environmental aspects

ICPC Recommendation No. 3, Issue 9A (see Murdri! 2010) Criteria to be applied to proposed
crossings between submarine telecommunications cables and pipelines/power cables

IEC 60502-1, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
from 1 kV (U
m
= 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV)Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV
(U
m
= 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (U
m
= 3,6 kV)
IEC 60502-2, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages
from 1 kV (U
m
= 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV)Part 2: Cables for rated voltages from 6 kV
(U
m
= 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV)
IEC 60840, Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories. For rated voltages
above 30 kV (U
m
= 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U
m
= 170 kV). Test methods and requirements
IEC 61400-24, Wind turbinesPart 24: Lightning protection

International Marine Contractors Association documents:
IMCA D 014 Rev. 1, IMCA international code of practice for offshore diving
IMCA D 042 Rev. 1, Diver and ROV-based concrete mattress handling, deployment,
installation, repositioning and decommissioning
IMCA M 125, Safety interface document for a dynamic positioning vessel working near an
offshore platform
IMCA M 149, Common marine inspection document
IMCA M 187, Guidelines for lifting operations (same as IMCASEL 019)
IMCA M 202, Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels
IMCA M 203, Guidance on SIMOPS
IMCA R 004, Code of practice for the safe & efficient operation of remotely operated vehicles
Rev. 3 July 2009 3.4 Class IVTowed and Bottom Crawling Vehicles
IMCA R 016, Diver and ROV-based concrete mattress handling, deployment, installation,
repositioning and decommissioning
IMCA S 018, Guidance on the selection of satellite positioning systems for offshore
applications
IMCASEL 018, Threat risk assessment procedure
IMCASEL 019, Guidelines for lifting operations
IMCASEL 025, Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels

International Standards Organization or International Organization for Standardization
documents:
ISO 2394, General principles on reliability for structures
ISO 9001, Quality management standard
production systemsPart 4: Subsea wellhead and tree equipment
ISO 13628-5Petroleum and natural gas industriesDesign and operation of subsea
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals
ISO 13688, Protective clothingGeneral requirements
ISO 14688-1, Geotechnical investigation and testing- Identification and classification of
soilPart 1: Identification and description
ISO 13628-5 Petroleum and natural gas industriesDesign and operation of subsea
production systemsPart 5: Subsea umbilicals
Annex F (informative), Load-effect analysis

Page | 54

Section 12, Storage
Section 14, Loadout
Section 15, Installation operations
Section 15.4, I-tube or J-tube pull-in operations
Section 15.4.3, Weather window for pull-in
Section 15.15, Pipeline crossing

structures
ISO 19901-4 Petroleum and natural gas industriesSpecific requirements for offshore
structures
ISO 19901-6 (2009) Petroleum and natural gas industriesMarine operations
ISO 19902,Petroleum and natural gas industriesFixed steel offshore structures
ISO 19906, Petroleum and natural gas industriesArctic offshore structures.
USCGCOMDTINSTM16672.2D, (U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Instruction) Navigation rules,
internationalinland

Page | 55

Annex A
(informative)

Additional Information and Guidance

noLe: 1he secLlons ln Lhls annex provlde addlLlonal lnformaLlon and guldance on Lhe relaLed secLlons ln Lhe body of Lhls
documenL. 1he same numberlng sysLem and headlng LlLles have been used for ease ln ldenLlfylng Lhe subsecLlon ln Lhe body
of Lhls documenL Lo whlch lL relaLes.
A.1 Scope
No additional information.
A.2 Normative References
API RP 2A is available in both WSD and LRFD formats; however, the LRFD version is out of
date and excludes the significant and relevant updates that are available in the more recent
WSD editions. ISO 19902 originated as an update to the LRFD version of RP 2A, but it is
significantly expanded and reorganized. It contains many of the updates found in RP 2A-WSD.
As of 2012, API is preparing a new edition of the LRFD version of RP 2A based on ISO
19902. It is anticipated that the new LRFD document, once it has been issued, will replace
ISO 19902 as a normative reference in future editions of this AWEA document.
As part of the API effort to align its offshore structural documents with ISO documents,
significant portions of RP 2A-WSD previously contained in the 21st and earlier editions of the
document have been removed from the 22nd edition. Many of the removed portions are being
issued as separate documents that are modifications of corresponding ISO documents. Use of
these API versions is encouraged for both WSD and LRFD design formats because many of
the modifications are specific to U.S. practice. API RP 2GEO, based on ISO 19901-4, is
already available in 2012. API RP 2MET, based on ISO 19901-1, and API RP 2EQ, based on
ISO 19901-2, are still in preparation as of early 2012. The corresponding ISO documents are
recommended until the API versions are issued. However, it should be noted that the wind
description given therein, especially for turbulence, wind spectra, and wind profile, are not
sufficient for the analysis of offshore wind turbines. For the analysis of OWT either the
methods given in IEC 61400-3 and IEC 61400-1, Annex B should be used, or alternatively
those given in GL and DNVJ101 Guidelines.
The survey and assessment of existing platforms guidance contained in previous editions of
API RP 2A-WSD has been relocated from the 22nd edition to API RP 2SIM. Although ISO
19902 retains its survey and assessment guidance, there is no separate ISO document
corresponding to API RP 2SIM. API RP 2SIM is still in preparation as of early 2012.
Reference to Section 14 (Surveys) and Section 17 (Assessment of existing platforms) in the
21st edition of API RP 2A-WSD, including API Bulletins 2HINS and 2INT-EX, if applicable, is
recommended until API RP 2SIM is issued.
The USCG regulations in 33 CFR Parts 140 through 147 are written to apply to mineral
extraction activities in the U.S. OCS. While these regulations may not be directly applicable to
renewable energy activities, they do provide best practice guidance. The USCG has
proposed revisions to these regulations, which were published in the Federal Register on
December 7, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 234) but remain in development as of early 2012.
In addition to the documents listed in Section 2, the following documents contain information
useful in fulfilling the requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
DNV-OS-J201, Offshore substations for wind farms
ISO 19901-6 (2009) Petroleum and natural gas industriesMarine operations

Page | 56

API RP 2N, Recommended practice for planning, designing and constructing structures
and pipelines for arctic conditions
API Bulletin 2HINS, Guidance for post-hurricane structural inspection of offshore
structures
API Bulletin 2INT-EX, Interim guidance for assessment of existing offshore structures for
hurricane conditions
ABS Rules for building and classing offshore installations
IMCASEL 019, IMCA M 187, Guidelines for lifting operations
IALA Recommendation O-139, The marking of man-made offshore structures, December
2008
30 CFR Part 250, Oil and gas and sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf
30 CFR Part 282, Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf for minerals other than oil,
gas and sulphur
46 CFR Part 108.231, Design, construction and markings
46 CFR Part 108.486 Subpart D, Fire extinguishing systems
BSEETA&R 627, Assess/develop inspection methodologies for offshore wind turbine
facilities
BSEETA&R 633, Structure, equipment and systems for offshore wind farms on the OCS,
Parts 1 and 2
BSEETA&R 633, Template for a safety management system for offshore wind farms on
the OCS
BSEETA&R 650, Inspection refinements for offshore wind turbine blades
BSEETA&R 651, Evaluate the Effect of Turbine Period of Vibration Requirements on
Structural Design Parameters
BSEETA&R 656, Seabed Scour Considerations
BSEETA&R 670, Design Standards for Offshore Wind Farms
BSEETA&R 671, Offshore Electrical Cable Burial for Wind Farms: State of the Art;
Standards and Guidance; Acceptable Burial Depths and Separation Distances; and Sand
Wave Effects
EN50308, Wind turbines. Protective measures. Requirements for design, operation and
maintenance
GL Renewables Certification, Guideline for the certification of offshore wind turbines
ASCE Manual 101, Underwater investigations standard practice manual
A.3 Terms and Definitions
A.4 Symbols and Abbreviated Terms
A.5 Structural Reliability
A.5.1 General
Section 5 of this document provides an adaptation of the IEC 61400-3 for use in U.S. OCS
and U.S. State waters. It is intended that this document be used in conjunction with IEC
61400-3 to form a complete guideline. The information contained in Section 5 provides
exceptions, additions, and revisions to IEC 61400-3 and does not replicate provisions in IEC
61400-3 that are considered directly applicable to the application in U.S. waters.

Page | 57

A.5.2 Hierarchy
A.5.3 Design Format
A.5.4 Standards for Component Design
Although API RP 2A-WSD is not an LRFD standard, it is used more frequently than the ISO
standards in the United States for the design of offshore oil and gas platforms.
A.5.5 Exposure Categories
It is not a requirement that all of the OWT support structures in an offshore wind facility have
the same exposure category. For example, the loss of an OWT support structure over which
an export cable passes could disrupt all of the power production from an offshore wind facility.
There is considerable justification for considering an OWT as a high consequence of failure
category. In the same project, another OWT support structure would be considered as
medium consequence category assuming its loss only disrupts its individual power production,
along with that of the other OWTs sharing the array cable. The percentage of total project
power production lost that is required for an OWT to be considered as high consequence
exposure will vary with the specifics of the project, and is left as a decision for the developer.
Medium consequence exposure is selected as the minimum category for support structures
directly involved in power production in order to provide a reasonable basis for design and to
ensure public safety and environmental protection. Other factors that may warrant
consideration in the selection of the exposure category include the reliability of power
supplied to the grid, public perception, investment in the project, and revenue generation. In
addition, even if a collapsed structure is not replaced, the expense of its removal and sea
floor cleanup may be greater and will occur sooner than if it had survived for the planned life
of the offshore wind facility. The developer should consider these factors and may adjust the
exposure category to high consequence as warranted.
It should be mentioned that the risk associated with an offshore wind facility is considered low
compared to other industries such as oil and gas. This issue was addressed considerably in
the National Academies 2011 report Structural Integrity of Offshore Wind Turbines: Oversight
of Design, Fabrication, and Installation. As offshore wind facilities have a low exposure to
human life and environmental consequences (e.g. oil spills), the exposure consequence is
mostly based on an assessment of policy consequences and the impact it may have on the
facilitys ability to deliver energy reliably.
A.5.6 Wind Turbine Classes
A.5.7 Design Methods
A.5.8 Soil Variation
In the design of most structures not supporting wind turbines, obtaining a lower bound
estimate of foundation capacity and stiffness is of greater interest than an estimate of the
most likely capacity and stiffness. Accordingly, soil sampling, testing, and analysis methods
are typically biased to produce conservative estimates of foundation strength and stiffness.
However, in the case of wind turbine design, a lower bound estimate of soil stiffness may
result in inaccurate estimates of structural mode frequencies, leading to an underestimate of
the dynamic loads generated by the rotor while operating. It is essential, therefore, that wind
turbine design consider the range of possible soil stiffness.

Page | 58

A.5.9 Tropical Cyclones
While awaiting the results of site-specific assessments of environmental conditions, the
designer is advised to refer to API RP 2MET for the definition and relationship of wind and
wave conditions in locations subject to tropical cyclones.
The metocean conditions associated with tropical cyclones typically exhibit greater variability
(a larger coefficient of variation) than those associated with extra-tropical storms. In these
cases, a higher environmental load factor, would be required to achieve a level of overall
structural reliability that is consistent with the basis of IEC 61400-3. Accordingly, the designer
should address the larger wind and wave COV as part of the metocean data studies. The
selection of the design environmental conditions based on the associated wind and wave
conditions during tropical cyclones and increased environmental load factor, as appropriate,
should be used for the design load cases representing extreme wind and wave conditions
specified in the IEC61400-3 for the design of wind turbine support structures. Other issues
discussed in ISO 19902, Section A.9.9.3, and its references (e.g., life safety and consequence
of failure), as well as the return period of the design conditions, should also be considered in
this process.
BSEETA&R Project 670, Design standards for offshore wind farms, studied design
requirements for offshore wind turbines on the US OCS. Design load cases with an increased
design requirement are recommended to address the effect of tropical cyclones (hurricanes).
Design criteria for offshore wind turbines subject to tropical cyclones are also specified in the
American Bureau of Shipping(ABS)Guide for building and classing bottom-founded offshore
wind turbine installations.
A.5.10 Extreme Wave Height
A.5.11 Monopiles, Non-Jacket and Minimal Support Structures
Offshore wind facilities typically include support structure types (e.g., monopiles) that do not
have reserve strength or redundancy equivalent to the conventional jacket structures
assumed in developing the provisions of offshore structural standards. API RP 2A-WSD,
Section 19 provides special design and installation recommendations to compensate for the
lower reserve strength or redundancy when using the WSD method. These recommendations
include reducing allowable stresses by 15% for monopile type platforms or other single-
element structural systems. In addition, monopile-type foundations should be shown to be
able to sustain lateral overloads 50% greater than the design lateral loading without
collapsing.
Measures similar to those in API RP 2A-WSD may be applied when designing with other
standards. ISO 2394 and ISO 19900 establish a consequence of failure factor (!
n
) suitable for
use with partial factor design standards such as ISO 19902. For example, use of the
consequence of failure factor is seen in IEC 61400-1, Section 7.6.2. In designing to ISO
19902, a consequence of failure factor of 1.18 would be equivalent to the 15% reduction in
allowable stresses of API RP 2A-WSD. The consequence of failure factors should be
multiplied together for cases in which the design standard also specifies a consequence of
failure factor to account for the importance of the entire support structure, or for which a value
is specified according to life-safety and environmental or economic consequences of platform
failure.
In addition, a fatigue strength analysis shall be obligatory for all structures, independent of
natural period.
A.5.12 Deck Clearance
Damage to Gulf of Mexico structures during the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 indicated that
the deck clearance provisions in the 21st and earlier editions of API RP 2A were insufficient.

Page | 59

Interim API documents issued in 2007 increased the design wave for some parts of the Gulf of
Mexico and required additional calculations to allow for local random wave crests for
structures in all areas of the Gulf. Subsequent studies have shown that clearing the crest of
the 1,000-year return period wave also provides sufficient allowance for local random wave
crests. This latter approach saves the designer from having to perform additional calculations
that increase opportunity for error. As of 2012, the 22nd edition of API RP 2A-WSD is the only
design guidance incorporating the 1,000-year return period wave approach to deck clearance.
Therefore, its provisions are required regardless of the offshore standard selected to govern
the overall design of the platform. Although protecting structures in the Gulf of Mexico was the
focus of the deck clearance studies, tropical cyclone behavior in other U.S. waters is believed
to be similar enough to allow recommending the same approach for those areas as well.
A.5.13 Grouted Connections
Typically, the geometric parameter ratios of the grouted connections between OWT transition
pieces and piles are far outside the ranges investigated in the testing used to develop the
design recommendations in recognized offshore standards. The inadequate performance
exhibited by some OWT connections has led to additional research. As of June 2012, DNV
document DNV OS J101, Section 9 is the only standard incorporating the results of this
research.
A.6 Manufacturing and Fabrication
A.6.3 Offshore Transmission Grid or Backbone
An offshore electrical transmission grid is an extension of a land-based grid system that
consists of an HVDC submarine cable system running parallel to the coastline adjacent to
wind energy areas where offshore wind facilities are either located or proposed. Such an
HVDC grid extension will generally consist of a series of offshore hubs. At each hub location,
an offshore foundation supports an HVDC converter. Ties to the onshore part of the grid
consist of lateral HVDC submarine cable links routed to shore from the converter hub to
interconnect to strategic locations in the onshore grid. When utilizing the offshore grid
extended system to transfer offshore wind generation to shore, the high-voltage alternating
current(AC) export cable(s) from the wind facilitys electric service platform(s) would be routed
to the hub closest to that electric service platform location. The converter, which is part of the
grid, converts the AC power to DC, and the power is dispatched to where it is required on the
rest of the grid. HVDC converters are installed adjacent to the onshore part of the grid where
the power is once again converted back to AC for end-user consumption on shore. This
approach to offshore transmission allows for the networking of individual offshore wind facility
production which has the potential for improved overall system utilization.
A.7 Installation
A.7.1 General
General guidance on marine transportation and installation can be found in ISO 19901-6
(2009),Petroleum and natural gas industriesMarine operations.
A.7.2 Sea Transport
A.7.2.1 Loadout
IMCASEL 019 and IMCA M 187 provide additional guidance and considerations useful for
conducting lifted loadouts.
A.7.2.1.1 Submarine Cable Installation
Cable installation associated with an offshore wind facility can be split into two groups: one for
the inter-array cables and one for export cables.

Page | 60

Inter-array cables connect the individual wind turbines in strings with the site electric service
platform.13 The number of these strings depends on the size of the wind facility and the field
layout. Individual inter-array cables (roughly turbine spacing) are typically between 650m and
1,000m in length, and will require both ends of the cable to be pulled into the offshore support
structure through either an internal or external J-tube. Longer cables may be used to connect
a string to the electric service platform. These cables may require a different power rating due
to the additional length and accumulation of each turbines output.
Inter-array cables tend to be installed and then post-lay buried using an ROV equipped with a
hydro-jetting tool or mechanical cutter. This technique is preferred due to the relatively short
length each inter-array cable will run between turbines and due to the need to bury the cable
at a specified depth for as much of that run as possible. There are, however, other techniques
for which the cable can be laid and buried simultaneously, the most common of which are
cable plows and vertical injectors.
Export cables run from the electric service platform and connect the offshore wind facility into
the terrestrial grid. Currently, most offshore wind facilities connect with the onshore utility
transmission system through AC submarine cable systems (typically 132 kV). As the distance
between the offshore wind facility and the onshore interconnection increases, the limitations
of high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) technology become apparent. The crossover
threshold between HVAC and HVDC is between 50km and 100km and will be decided on as
part of the project design/pre-engineering scope of work.
Depending on the total output power of the of the wind farm facility, HVAC export cable
systems require either a single three-core cable or multiple three-core cables for power
transmission, which allows for the option of the cables to be installed and buried in a single
operation using a jetting plow or injector. It is more cost effective to simultaneously lay and
bury the export cables; however, some cable designs do not allow themselves to be buried by
plow, and the design of the cable needs to be closely considered when choosing both the
cable and method of installation.
HVDC systems require two cables as a bi-pole system; the cables will typically be bundled
together during the installation process. Bundled HVDC cables and inter-array cables are
typically installed and buried, as are inter-array cables.
A.7.2.1.2 Cable Protection
Additional vehicles used for submarine operations include the following:
ROV: Equipped with either a jetting system for softer clays and sands or a mechanical
cutting tool (either a wheel or chain fitted with picks) for compacted seabeds through to
rock, this category encompasses traditional deep water tracked or free flying ROVs that
use onboard hydro jetting equipment, as well as shallow water tracked trenchers that use
either hydro or mechanical trenching methods. ROVs predominantly post-lay bury cable,
although some shallow water trenchers are capable of simultaneous lay and burial. Post-
lay burial using an ROV is the preferred method of protecting bundled cable packages.
Submarine Plow: This plow is a towed system with a limited ability to steer around
obstacles; it relies on the host vessel to pull it along the cable route. Burial is by means of
passive share using the long-beam plowing approach and can be assisted by the inclusion
of onboard water jetting equipment to reduce tow tension, increase burial depth, and
increase speed over ground. Submarine plows are used predominantly on export cables
and occasionally longer inter-array cables. They simultaneously lay and bury and
therefore require careful cable handling and tension management during operations.
Submarine plows are generally not suitable for the installation of bundled cables.
Jetting Sled: A jetting sled is similar to the plow except that the share is replaced with
jetting swords and burial is achieved by displacing the seabed with low-to high-pressure

13
This may also be referred to as the Offshore Transformer Station.

Page | 61

water jets depending on seabed soil characterization. Used in shallow water,
predominantly for the burial of export cables, jetting sleds use surface supplied water
jetting equipment and can be deployed from smaller vessels than can plows or ROVs.
Installation methodology is predominantly simultaneous lay and burial.
General characteristics for the above burial methods can be found in table 1.
Table 1: Cable protection equipment characteristics
Equipment
Burial
Method
Seabed Type
***

Operational Water
Depth
***

Burial Depth
*

Preferred
Method
ROV trencher Hydro jetting Sand and clay up
to 75kPa
5m to 2,000m Up to 3.0m Export + IA
ROV tractor Mechanical
cutting
Up to 40MPa Up to 500m Up to 3.0m Export + IA
ROV tractor Hydro jetting Up to 75kPa Up to 500m Up to 3.0m Export + IA
Jetting sledsurface
mounted power pack
Hydro jetting Up to 75kPa 0 to 50m
**

Up to 5.0m Export
Jetting sledvehicle
mounted power pack
Hydro jetting Up to 75kPa 5m to 50m
**
Up to 5.0m Export
Plow Passive Up to 75kPa Up to 500m Up to 3.0m

Export
Plow Hydro jetting Up to 75kPa Up to 500m Up to 3.25m Export
*
Typical values; dependent upon vehicle setup and seabed conditions
**
Generally maximum depth constrained by diver limitations
***
Dependent upon machine specification

Seabed classifications can be found in the following document:
ISO14688-1:2002, Geotechnical investigation and testingIdentification and classification
of soilPart 1: Identification and description and ISO14688-1:2004 Part 2: Principles for a
classification
Other methods of protection include the following:
Mattressing: Segmented concreted blocks latticed together to form a durable, flexible mattress
to be laid down over the cable; normally used at cable crossing and deployed by crane with
either diver or ROV intervention
Rock Placement: The placement of varying sizes of stones/cobble through to rocks that form a
protective barrier from external mechanical influence
Impact Protection: A type of polyurethane protective sleeve added in sections to the cable; not
very resistant to anchor drags, normally used as an initial layer of protection from mattresses
and rock placement
Split Pipe: Similar to impact protection, but usually ferrous iron made segments offering
alternative to burial. Can be susceptible to anchor and fishing drag.
At the wind-turbine foundations the cable will be protected by bend restrictors. Careful
consideration will need to be given to the design and installation of the cables, bend
restrictors, J-tube centralizer, and seal. The choice of cable protection can have a significant
impact on installation speed and overall project timing.
A.7.2.1.3 Cable Burial
Additional guidance on cable burial depth can be found in the BSEETA&R Report Number 671
titled: Offshore electrical cable burial for wind farms: State of the art, standards and guidance
and acceptable burial depths, separation distances and sand wave effect.

Page | 62

A.8 Qualification Testing
A.9 Safety Management System, Safety Equipment, and Navigational Aids
A.9.1 U.S. Regulations
A.9.2 Safety Management System
BSEETA&R 633 provides a template for a suitable SMS.
A.9.3 Safety Equipment
Additional guidance can be found in EN50308, Wind turbinesProtective measures
Requirements for design, operation and maintenance.
It is recommended that the emergency stay requirement be met via access to a manned
electric service platform rather than by provisions for workers to remain on a turbine facility
itself.
A.9.4 Access Safety
A.9.4.1 Vessel Access Safety
Information on limiting conditions for access to the OWTs with the current generation of
access vessels and OWT support structures is reported in the literature: Department of
Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform; Offshore Wind Capital Grants SchemeScroby
Sands Offshore Wind Farm 3rd annual report 2007; Garrad Hassan Report to U.S. Corps of
Engineers: Review of Offshore Wind Project Features Appendix 3-F; and Blyth Harbour Wind
FarmOperational Aspects, Report of DTI, 2004.
A.9.4.2 Helicopter Access Safety
A.9.4.3 Tower Access Safety
Consideration of the USCG proposed regulation 33 CFR 143.1341 (see Section A.2 of this
Annex) is recommended.
A.9.5 Navigational Warning Devices and Marking Information
Useful guidance can be found in IALA Recommendation O-139, The marking of man-made
offshore structures.
A.10 Operations and In-Service Inspections
U.S. Regulations 30 CFR Parts 250 and 282 address BOEM and BSEE requirements for the
extraction of minerals from the U.S. OCS, some of which may be useful for offshore wind
facilities.
Note that under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, the Army Corps of
Engineers (ACOE) regulates structures and/or work in, over, or under navigable waters of the
U.S. or affecting the course, location, or condition of navigable waters of the U.S. The line of
jurisdiction in tidal waters extends from the Mean High Water Mark along the shoreline to
3nautical miles (n.m.) offshore. Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, with ACOE
Section 10 authority is extended to the Outer Continental Shelf, from 3 n.m. to the seaward
limit of the OCS (approx. 200 n.m.). ACOE has jurisdiction over the following: artificial islands,

Page | 63

installations, and other devices located on the seabed of the OCS. Under Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act, the Corps regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into Waters of
the United States. The ACOE line of jurisdiction in tidal waters extends from the High Tide
Line along the shoreline to 3n.m. offshore. This authority does not extend to the OCS.
A.10.2 Operations
A.10.3 In-Service Inspections
A.10.3.1 General
A.10.3.2 Frequency of Inspections
These references prescribe inspection frequency intervals for above- and below-water
systems.
ASCE Manual 101, Underwater investigation: Standard practice manual (Table 2-2,
Recommended Maximum Interval Between Underwater Routine Inspections),
API RP 2SIM, Structural integrity management of fixed offshore structures
BSEETA&R 627, Table II.1, Inspection cycles
DNV-OS-J101, Section 13, In-service inspection, maintenance and monitoring
Chapter 1, Section 3, Surveys after construction
A.10.3.3 Qualifications of Inspection Personnel
ASCE Manual 101 provides guidance on qualifications of underwater inspection personnel.
A.10.3.4 Subsea Support Structure Inspections
A.10.3.5 Subsea Equipment Inspections
A.10.3.6 Above-Water Support Structure and Access Systems
A.10.3.7 Blades
A.10.3.8 Inspection Scope Expansion
ASCE Manual 101 provides guidance on expanding scope based on inspection findings using
the term special inspection.
A.11 Decommissioning
30 CFR 250.902, 30 CFR 250.1725, and 30 CFR 250.1752 address BOEM and BSEE
requirements for decommissioning of platforms and pipelines used for extracting oil, gas, and
sulfur from U.S. OCS waters, but some of their provisions may also be appropriate for
offshore wind facilities.

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AWEA OCRP 2012 September 16, 2012

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